Coal is used to produce energy. The harmful gases produced by coal are cleaned up by a method which needs a large amount of limestone. Predict and explain the long term effect on the environment of obtaining and using limestone.

Wet Scrubbers use limestone to clean the large amount of gases produced by combustion of coal.

Explanation:

It is true that coal produces energy but combustion of coal leads to the production of harmful gases that affects the environment and also causes global warming. Wet scrubbers also known as flue gas desulfurization systems, removes sulfur dioxide, a significant cause of acid rain, by spraying flue gas with limestone and water.

The mixture reacts with the SO2 to form synthetic gypsum, a component of drywall. Long term use of Limestone can affect the conditions of ground water.