Water quality impacts coal plant emissions, affecting air pollution levels.
The quality of water used in a coal-fired power plant affects how well the sulfur is removed from the emissions. When using different types of water, the process can change. Process water causes the most foaming but produces good gypsum crystals. Filtrate reduces foaming and creates large gypsum crystals, but some small crystals form. Reclaimed water falls between process water and filtrate in its effects on the process.