Issues Investigation - Is ‘low Sulfur Coal’ the Best Answer to Sulfur Pollution?”

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coal. This low sulphur coal or subbituminous coal has less content of sulphur than the bituminous coal, which reduces a lot of sulfur emissions. The transportation of this coal as well as the limited supply makes it very expensive; hence it is not an easy and efficient solution. Sulphur in the coal is found in inorganic and organic form and inorganic sulphur (FeS2) can be removed by the process of coal cleaning and washing that will reduce the sulfur content by 50%, but because this produces a large amount of waste this procedure is limited as it harms the environment and washing the coal affects characteristics of the coal hence, affecting combustion of coal.

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a better alternative to address sulphur pollution. This procedure is performed during the combustion of fossil fuel. The sulfur dioxide is reduced by treating the flue gases before they are released into the atmosphere. The Limestone/gypsum system is the most common method of FGD. Crushed limestone is mixed with water to form a slurry that is sprayed in these vent gases. These react with sulphur dioxide to form calcium sulphite. When the compressed air is blown into this, calcium sulphide oxidises to form calcium sulphate.

CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + O2(g) + SO2(g) CaSO4(s) + CaSO3(s) +CO2(g) +H2O(l)

This method is a very effective way to reduce sulphur pollution as the calcium sulphate can be used in building trade in the production of cement as well as it reduces the sulfur dioxide by 90%.

(Source 1, 5)

Sulphur pollution is gradually destroying the earth as it is causing hazards in many ways, especially through acid rain, that damages both the living and non-living things. Low sulfur coal is one way to address this issue but is very costly and therefore not the best. Flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) is a better alternative because it produces calcium sulphate that can be reused in trading for the production of cement and therefore doesn’t generate a waste product. It is cheaper and resourceful alternative to address sulphur pollution than Low sulphur coal.

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