What creates solid pollutants such as fly ash when burned?

The production of solid pollutants like fly ash primarily occurs when materials containing carbon and various mineral content are burned at high temperatures. In the case of pulverized coal, the combustion process breaks down the organic carbon and releases energy, while the inorganic minerals present in the coal do not combust and are transformed into fine particulate matter known as fly ash. This ash is carried away by flue gases and can result in significant environmental and operational challenges, including its contribution to air pollution and the need for proper disposal.

Pulverized coal is particularly noted for creating fly ash due to its combustion characteristics and the mineral content inherent in coal. The combustion process generates substantial amounts of heat, leading to the full oxidation of carbon and the formation of various emissions, with residual solid waste being a byproduct. Thus, it is the burning of pulverized coal that specifically leads to the production of solid pollutants such as fly ash.