Utilization of coal-fired power plant combustion by-products in surface mine reclamation
A three year study investigated the suitability of a mixture of fly ash and flue gas desulfurization sludge, termed fly ash scrubber sludge (FASS), for use in surface mine reclamation. Objectives were: characterization of FASS physical and chemical properties; effects on soil properties; effects of soil/FASS mixtures on crop plants; and development of recommendations for utilization of FASS in surface mine reclamation practices. Elemental data were divided into: major elements (Al, Ca, Cl, Fe, K, Mg and Na), comprising greater than 0.1% of the total weight; minor elements (B, Mn, Pb and Zn), present in amounts between 100 mg/kg and 0.1%; and trace elements (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se and Sr), present at less than 100 mg/kg. The feasibility of near-surface disposal of FASS in reclamation was investigated and its potential evaluated as a soil amendment for forage and row crops. Boron and Cl were of primary importance to both crop plants and water quality. Chloride was not attenuated by soils and was readily leached to depths below plant rooting volumes. Plant-available B was markedly decreased after the first year by leaching and immobilization. Incorporation of 15% FASS in the surface soil reduced fatal boron toxicity in soybeans and a 22% reduction in alfalfa forage yield in 1989. Additional treatments included: 50% FASS mixed with glacial till subsoil; and 100% FASS located below a 30cm topsoil layer. Fly ash scrubber sludge added below the topsoil reduced soybean grain yield by 81% and alfalfa forage yield by 48%. Severe B toxicity symptoms occurred, and the grain and forages produced were unuseable. Toxicity symptoms were most severe during periods of low rainfall, and subsided with favorable soil moisture conditions. Leaching and weathering resulted in markedly reduced toxicity symptoms and enrichment of elements in plant tissues in 1990. Boron was considered the limiting factor in determining application amounts.
- Research Organization:
- Missouri Univ., Columbia, MO (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 5680825
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph.D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
SOILS
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SURFACE MINING
LAND RECLAMATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ALFALFA
BORON
BY-PRODUCTS
CHLORIDES
COMBUSTION
CROPS
DESULFURIZATION
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
FLUE GAS
FLY ASH
FORAGE
RECOMMENDATIONS
SLUDGES
SOYBEANS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WATER QUALITY
AEROSOL WASTES
ANIMAL FEEDS
ASHES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FOOD
GASEOUS WASTES
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
LEGUMINOSAE
MAGNOLIOPHYTA
MAGNOLIOPSIDA
MANAGEMENT
MINERALS
MINING
OXIDATION
PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
RESIDUES
SEMIMETALS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
VEGETABLES
WASTES
200200* - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Waste Management
540250 - Environment
Terrestrial- Site Resource & Use Studies- (1990-)