Question

How do the coal-fired thermal power plants cause air pollution?

Answer 1

Coal-fired thermal power plants pollute the air mainly by burning coal, which oxidizes the carbon, sulfur and nitrogen in the fuel and releases a mix of primary pollutants large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide and volatile organics from incomplete combustion, plus particulate matter and fly ash from ash and unburnt carbon all emitted from the boiler and stack; these emissions drive climate change (CO₂) and cause direct respiratory and cardiovascular harm (fine PM and gases). Sulfur dioxide produced from coal sulfur oxidizes in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and sulfate aerosols, which cause acid rain and contribute to fine-particle pollution, while high‑temperature combustion converts fuel/air nitrogen into NOx that participates in photochemical reactions to form ground‑level ozone and smog and also oxidizes to nitric acid and nitrate aerosols. The combined effects of eye irritation and airway irritation, aggravated asthma and bronchitis, increased hospital visits and long‑term cardiopulmonary disease, reduced visibility, damage to crops and ecosystems from acid deposition, and a significant contribution to global warming make coal-fired emissions a major public‑health and environmental problem.