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RECLAMATION OF ALKALINE ASH PILES AND PROTECTION OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT AGAINST DUSTING
Citation:
Wysocki, W. RECLAMATION OF ALKALINE ASH PILES AND PROTECTION OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT AGAINST DUSTING. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/7-79/128 (NTIS PB80102916), 1979.
Description:
The objective of this study was to develop methods to reclaim and stabilize by vegetation fly ash and bottom ash from bituminous and lignite fired power plants. The ash had been transported from the power plant as a slurry and disposed of in ponds. Ashes from these power plants were strongly alkaline (pH from 8.5 to 12.8). Greenhouse experiments were conducted using white mustard (Synapis alba L.) as the test plant on ashes treated by various fertilizers, with various moisture levels and with application of amendments changing the composition or the properties of ash. Three years field experiments were performed to investigate the growth, health, yields and quality of mixtures of legumes and grasses growing on ashes with admixtures changing their composition or properties. Different fertilization levels were also studied. A 3-year field investigation of the growth and health of selected species of trees, bushes and cuttings was conducted. On the base of periodical pedological microbiological and phytosociological examination the process of the soil formation was observed. Field experiments were carried out in a moderate climate, where significant air pollution, dusts, and gases were emitted from nearby power plants burning bituminous coal or lignite. Along with the results of the greenhouse and field investigations, recommendations for ash reclamation are presented.