Q. Consider the following statements:
1.Fly ash is mainly composed of oxides of silicon, aluminium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
2.Fly ash is primarily produced as a byproduct of automobile exhaust.
3.Using fly ash in concrete reduces the amount of cement needed, which in turn lowers CO2 emissions associated with cement production.
4.Improper disposal of fly ash can lead to ozone layer depletion due to the dispersing of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Fly ash contains oxides of silicon, aluminium, iron, calcium, and magnesium, among other elements. Incorporating fly ash into concrete reduces the demand for cement, thereby lowering CO2 emissions from cement production.
Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect. Fly ash is primarily produced as a byproduct of burning coal in power plants. While improper disposal of fly ash can lead to environmental contamination, it is not directly linked to ozone layer depletion. Ozone depletion is primarily caused by substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Improper disposal of fly ash can lead to groundwater contamination due to the leaching of toxic compounds and heavy metals. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion and is not used as fuel. It has various applications in construction and manufacturing, but not as a fuel source.
Source: The Hindu
