The Effect of Coal on the Environment

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1. Identify and define the chosen topic I have chosen the topic, the effect of one particular fossil fuel on the environment, for my science assignment. The fossil fuel I will be basing it on is coal, which is a dark brown/ black solid substance formed from the compaction and hardening of fossilized plant parts in the presence of water and in the absence of air. Coal is a valuable and plentiful natural global resource. Not only does coal provide electricity, it is also an essential fuel for steel and cement production, and other industrial activities. I will be looking at the consequences of using coal to our surroundings in which we live in. 2. Outline a brief history behind your chosen topic The Chinese were known to have used coal more than 3,000 years ago. Coal was first discovered in Australia in 1791 by an escaped convict near Newcastle. This discovery was followed in 1793 by a report of coal at South Cape, Tasmania: 32 years later, in 1825, black coal was discovered near Wonthaggi, Victoria and in 1824 outcrops were found in the Ipswich district of Queensland. Discoveries at Irwin River, Western Australia and Leigh Creek, South Australia were made in 1846 and 1888, respectively. 3. Explain how it works Coal is a chemically complex fuel. Gases are given off when it is burned and “fly ash”, which are particles of ash, are released. The sulphur in coal combines with oxygen to form sulphur dioxide, which can be a major source of air pollution if emitted in large enough quantities. When burned, coal is used to produce electricity and heat through combustion. 4. Identify who it benefits/affects Coal affects many people. There are severe health effects caused by the burning of coal. According to the reports issued by the World Health Organization in 2008 and by environmental groups, coal pollution is estimated to shorten approximately 1,000,000

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