Fly ash dynamics in soil-water systems

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · CRC Critical Reviews in Environmental Control; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/10643388909388367· OSTI ID:5824587

Sharma, S; Fulekar, M H; Jayalakshmi, C P ^[1]

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1. Energy and Environment Group, New Delhi (India)

Studies regarding the effluents and coal ashes (or fly ash) resulting from coal burning are numerous, but their disposal and interactions with the soil and water systems and their detailed environmental impact assessment with concrete status reports on a global scale are scanty. Fly ash dynamics in soil and water systems are reviewed. After detailing the physical composition of fly ash, physicochemical changes in soil properties due to fly ash amendment are summarized. Areas covered include texture and bulk density, moisture retention, change in chemical equilibria, and effects of fly ash on soil microorganisms. Plant growth in amended soils is discussed, as well as plant uptake and accumulation of trace elements. In order to analyze the effect of fly ash on the physicochemical properties of water, several factors must be considered, including surface morphology of fly ash, pH of the ash sluice water, pH adjustments, leachability and solubility, and suspended ash and settling. The dynamics of fly ash in water systems is important due to pollution of groundwater resources from toxic components such as trace metals. Other factors summarized are bioaccumulation and biomagnification, human health effects of contaminants, and the impact of radionuclides in fly ash. Future research needs should focus on reduction of the environmental impact of fly ash and increasing utilization of fly ash as a soil amendment. 110 refs., 2 figs., 10 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 5824587
• Journal Information: CRC Critical Reviews in Environmental Control; (USA), Journal Name: CRC Critical Reviews in Environmental Control; (USA) Vol. 19:3; ISSN CCECA; ISSN 0007-8999
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AEROSOL WASTES
ASHES
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
CONTAMINATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FLY ASH
GROUND WATER
GROWTH
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INFORMATION NEEDS
ISOTOPES
MASS TRANSFER
MICROORGANISMS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLANT GROWTH
POLLUTION
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
RESIDUES
SOILS
WASTES
WATER
WATER POLLUTION