Coal ash is a byproduct produced when coal is burned for energy. Coal ash contains sand, unburned carbon, and a variety of metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and zinc.
Some energy companies mix coal ash with water and store this waste in ponds. How could the
accidental release of coal ash waste impact ecosystems?
O Unburned carbon could enter waterways and provide food for organisms.
O Coal ash particles that mix with rain could acidify lakes and rivers.
O Heavy metals could bioaccumulate in aquatic food chains.
O Leaking waste could increase blooms of toxic algae.