Evaluating a novel approach for heavy metal leaching control in coal combustion fly ash
Open Access
Author:
Noack, Clint
Area of Honors:
Environmental Systems Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Mark Stephen Klima, Thesis Supervisor Mark Stephen Klima, Thesis Supervisor Mku Thaddeus Ityokumbul, Faculty Reader Mark Stephen Klima, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
fly ash heavy metals environmental and health risks
Abstract:
Combustion of coal concentrates mineral matter and trace elements in the fly ash. Given that over seventy-two million short tons of fly ash are produced annually in the US alone, the environmental and human health risks of heavy metal leaching are of grave concern. This thesis reviews these risks, the leachability of seven important heavy metals, and the remedial capacity of a proprietary material provided by Clean Age Minerals.
Using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, it was determined that the fly ash contained appreciable amounts of chromium, cobalt, copper, nickel, vanadium, and zinc, results that were expected based on a literature review. By using a three-hour, agitated, hydrochloric acid leaching procedure, these metals, as well as arsenic, were mobilized and detectable in the leachate.
The Clean Age material was comingled with the ash at varied weight ratios in an attempt to capture the metals as they were leached. Initial testing has shown reductions of arsenic, copper, and zinc but increases in chromium, cobalt, nickel, and vanadium. Because of these results, experimentation could be continued to determine the most effective means of utilizing the Clean Age Minerals to control these and other heavy metals.
