Advanced Placement (AP)

Lilly Guerra

3 July, 18:15

Industrial scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators collect enormous amounts of particulate matter (coal ash) at coal-burning power plants. Which of the

following best describes an environmental disadvantage of using industrial scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators for pollution abatement?

Coal ash contains toxic levels of several different pollutants, so when it is collected and stored long-term in coal ash ponds, there is increased

risk of exposure to toxic metals.

Industrial scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators cannot remove fine particles like dust and smoke from the waste, so a secondary measure

must be used

O

Coal ash is highly flammable, and it is very hazardous to ship the materials to hazardous waste landfills.

Industrial scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators are very costly to install and increase the cost of operating coal-burning power plants,

leading to increased costs for consumers.