Biomass production and water quality in an acidic spoil amendment with Mg(OH){sub 2} - enriched by-product gypsum
- Ohio State Univ., Wooster, OH (United States)
Beneficial use of scrubber by-product Mg(OH){sub 2} enriched-gypsum in reclamation of acidic minespoil (pH 2.9) was investigated in a greenhouse study. The upper 15 cm of 60-cm spoil columns were amended with 3 rates of gypsum (G) and gypsum with either 4 or 8% Mg(OH){sub 2} (Mg-G) or Ca(OH){sub 2} (Ca-G). Controls included unamended and limestone amended (to pH 7) spoil. Spoil pH was increased to between 4.5 and 8.3 by increasing rates of Mg-G and Ca-G. Leachates from Mg-G columns had the highest electrical conductivities and also the largest concentrations of Al, B, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mr, S, and Zn. All gypsum treatments increased Cd, Cr, and Ph mobilization from the spoil, while other trace elements were not affected. Mg-G and Ca-G permitted plant growth on otherwise phytotoxic spoil; however, the highest rate of 8% Mg-G suppressed plant growth relative to limestone. While Mg-G may be used to revegetate acidic spoils, elevated soluble salts and potential mobilization of toxic elements from the spoil may limit its use.
- OSTI ID:
- 370351
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960376--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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