Question

Environmental costs associated with the use of coal include all of the following EXCEPT

A. particulates that are released into the atmosphere when coal is burned.
B. degradation to land due to mining techniques.
C. the creation of highly radioactive waste.
D. trace metals found in coal.
E. the transportation of coal from mine to power plant.

Answer 1

Radioactive waste is not a byproduct of coal usage; rather, it is associated with nuclear power generation. The environmental costs of coal include air pollutants like SO₂, NOx, and particulates, land degradation from mining, and transportation impacts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The environmental impacts of coal utilization are extensive and include the release of particulates, degradation of land, and the presence of trace metals. However, the production of highly radioactive waste is not typically associated with coal combustion. Instead, radioactive waste is more commonly linked to nuclear power generation. Burning coal leads to air pollution from sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulates, contributing to acid rain, smog, and respiratory illnesses. Mining techniques can lead to land degradation, and the transportation of coal entails additional energy use and pollution risks. Regulation efforts such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act work to mitigate some environmental impacts of coal use.