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U.S. Department of Energy
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Environmental effects of the secondary discharges from fly ash ponds

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7291215
Secondary water flow from ash ponds at the Bull Run Steam Plant, Tennessee, has been characterized. A mechanism for the formation of materials found in the discharge was developed. A literature review was compiled on the effluent formation processes. The effects of the stream on representative samples of the fish population in the Clinch River have been observed. The major constituent of the precipitate present in this secondary water flow was found by x-ray diffraction to be ferric oxide hydroxide (FeOOH) produced in the transformation of ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)/sub 3/). Significant ferrous iron oxidation occurs in the drainage ditch containing the secondary water flow resulting in the precipitation of ferric hydroxide. Catfish cannot survive in environments that are either too acidic or contain a large amount of suspended solids such as ferric hydroxide. The large amount of iron deposits suspended in the discharge cove waters results from the sudden mixing of the acidic secondary discharge with the slightly alkaline cove waters.
Research Organization:
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Oak Ridge, Tenn. (USA). School of Chemical Engineering Practice
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
7291215
Report Number(s):
ORNL/MIT-200
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English