Question

Given these cascading effects, which of the following actions would help reduce the damage caused by coal-burning power plants? check all that apply.

A. burning high-sulfur coal
B. increasing renewable energy resource use
C. burning low-sulfur coal
D. Adding phosphate fertilizer to neutralize forest soils and lakes

Answer 1

To reduce the damage caused by coal-burning power plants, actions such as burning low-sulfur coal, increasing renewable energy resource use, and adding phosphate fertilizer to neutralize forest soils and lakes can be taken.

Step-by-step explanation:

Coal-burning power plants can cause environmental damage through emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2). To reduce the damage, the following actions can be taken:

• Burning low-sulfur coal: This reduces the emissions of SO₂, which is a major contributor to acid rain.
• Increasing renewable energy resource use: This reduces the reliance on coal and decreases the emissions of all pollutants associated with coal combustion.
• Adding phosphate fertilizer to neutralize forest soils and lakes: This helps mitigate the effects of acid rain and helps restore the natural pH balance of the affected areas.