The effect of fly ash application to Acacia growth and heavy metals leaching on peatland

Abstract

Research was focused on the effect of fly ash application on peatland at Lalang Kabung Village, Pelalawan Regency, Riau. The research objectives were to compare the effect of 3 types of fly-ash to the growth of Acacia crassicarpa and to investigate the potential on heavy metal pollution in groundwater of peatlands. The study was conducted using a randomized block design with 8 combined treatments with the type and rate of fly ash. Groundwater quality was monitored from a piezometer installed among 4 acacia trees. The results showed that the application of all 3 types fly ash significantly affect to acacia plant growth as indicated by the increased of stem diameter and plant height. Biomass fly-ash was better compared to coal and mixed fly-ash. The higher rate of fly-ash resulted on the better acacia growth. The results of water quality measurement taken from piezometer showed that there were 5 types of heavy metals detected in groundwater namely Pb, Co, Ni, Mo and Zn, but the concentration was still below the regulation threshold. There was no significant difference in heavy metal content among treatments both with and without fly-ash application.