Question

Describe how ash causes air pollution.

Answer 1

Fly ash is a by-product generated as the coal is burnt at thermal power plants. The low-grade coal used in thermal power generation carries 30-45% ash content. The high-grade imported coal has a low ash content of 10-15%. Since most of the coal used in thermal plants in low-grade, it generates a large quantity of ash which requires a large area as landfill or ponds for disposal

Fly ash contains toxic and heavy metals. The ponds where fly ash is usually dumped are poorly managed. Fly ash becomes dry as temperature increases and gets airborne. Thus, it becomes one of the major sources of air and water pollution. Apart from causing various diseases, it also leads to a reduction in the recharging of groundwater. The air in areas around coal-fired power plants gets polluted with fly ash.