Assessment of tracing element characteristics of F-type fly and bottom ash mixture

ABSTRACT

Presently, fly ash–water slurry is transported to ash disposal site at very low solid concentration of approximately 15–20% (by weight), resulting in huge water and energy wastage which leads to several environmental and health problem. The production of a large amount of the toxic metal elements in the ash disposal system of the thermal power plants can pose negative environmental effects on human health and on plants. In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the leaching characteristics of fly ash at higher concentrations. The bottom ash was taken as an additive in the proportion of 10, 20, and 30% (by weight) to enhance the leaching characteristics of fly ash. The solid concentration of fly ash suspension was taken in the range of 40 to 60% (by weight). The addition of additive helps to reduce the tracing metal concentration of fly ash. Leaching experiment data show that leachate concentration of all tracing elements present in fly ash reduced maximum with 20% addition of bottom ash (by weight). The present study helps to improve the ash disposal system of the thermal power plant and to minimize the environmental impact.

KEYWORDS:

• Ash disposal
• ash pond
• bottom ash
• fly ash
• leaching characteristics
• tracing elements