What are the environmental effects associated with coal combustion?

The environmental effects associated with coal combustion primarily include significant air pollution and the formation of acid rain. When coal is burned, it releases a variety of pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These substances can contribute to poor air quality, which negatively impacts human health and the environment.

Moreover, sulfur dioxide can combine with water vapor in the atmosphere to produce sulfuric acid, leading to acid rain. Acid rain can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, including harming aquatic life in lakes and rivers, damaging forests, and eroding buildings and monuments. Therefore, the choice highlighting air pollution and acid rain accurately encapsulates the primary environmental concerns associated with the combustion of coal.