Flue gas desulfurization, commonly known as FGD, is a technology used to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from flue gases produced by coal-fired power plants, industrial boilers, and other sources. SO2 is a harmful gas that can contribute to acid rain, smog, and respiratory issues when released into the atmosphere. FGD plays a critical role in reducing air pollution and promoting cleaner air quality. There are several methods of flue gas desulfurization, with the most common being wet scrubbing. In this process, flue gases are passed through a wet slurry of limestone or lime, where the sulfur dioxide is absorbed and neutralized to form calcium sulfite or sulfate. The byproduct, known as FGD gypsum, can be used in a variety of applications such as wallboard production and soil amendment. Another method of FGD is dry scrubbing, which involves injecting a dry sorbent such as lime or soda ash into the flue gas stream to react with the sulfur dioxide. This process is generally more cost-effective and produces less wastewater than wet scrubbing, but may require additional steps for handling the dry sorbent material. FGD technologies have been widely adopted in many countries as a means of meeting stringent environmental regulations and reducing the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment. In the United States, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 mandated the installation of FGD systems on coal-fired power plants to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants

flue gas desulfurization. While FGD has been successful in reducing sulfur dioxide emissions, it is not without its challenges. The operation and maintenance of FGD systems can be costly, and there are concerns about the disposal of FGD byproducts such as gypsum. Additionally, some critics argue that FGD may not be the most effective or sustainable solution for reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide and other air pollutants. Despite these challenges, flue gas desulfurization remains an important tool in the fight against air pollution and climate change. As countries around the world strive to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, FGD technologies will continue to play a crucial role in reducing emissions from fossil fuel combustion and improving air quality for future generations. In conclusion, flue gas desulfurization is a key technology for reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants and industrial processes. While it may have its drawbacks, FGD is an essential tool for promoting cleaner air quality and mitigating the impacts of air pollution on public health and the environment.Embracing and further developing FGD technologies will be essential for achieving our goals of a cleaner, more sustainable future.