Fly ash and lime amendment of acidic coal spoil to aid revegetation. [Hordeum vulgare L]

Journal Article · · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5368821

Taylor, Jr, E M; Schuman, G E

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fly ash (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g kg/sup -1/ of spoil) and agricultural lime (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 g kg/sup -1/ of spoil) on ameliorating the low pH of acidic coal mine spoils. Topsoil depths of 0, 10, and 20 cm placed over the spoil were also evaluated. Two crops of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were grown to evaluate effects of the amendments and topsoil on aboveground plant biomass, root biomass and distribution, and element content of the vegetation. All levels of lime and fly ash significantly increase the spoil pH, aboveground plant biomass, and root biomass. Topsoil placement over the spoil also generally increased plant biomass. Root growth in untreated spoil was limited to the depth of topsoil. However, when the spoil was amended with either fly ash or lime root growth occurred throughout the material. Fly ash and lime did not cause elemental toxicities to the plants, except for B. Although visual B toxicity symptoms and elevated levels of plant B were evident, no reduction in plant biomass occurred. The results indicate that fly ash is a feasible alternative to lime for treating acidic coal spoils in the region.

• Research Organization: High Plains Grassland Research Station, Cheyenne, WY (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5368821
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 17:1; ISSN JEVQA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
ACID NEUTRALIZING CAPACITY
AEROSOL WASTES
ASHES
BARLEY
BORON
CEREALS
CHEMISTRY
COAL MINES
ELEMENTS
FLY ASH
GRASS
GROWTH
LAND RECLAMATION
LIMING
MINES
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
RESIDUES
REVEGETATION
SEMIMETALS
SPOIL BANKS
TOXICITY
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
USES
WASTES
WATER CHEMISTRY