Transport of heavy metals and cations in a fly ash amended soil

Abstract

The potential for heavy metal contamination of groundwater in and around coal combustion residue disposal sites is one of the main areas of concern regarding proper disposal of these by-products. The use of fly ash as an amendment to agricultural soils has been investigated to explore its effects on corp growth and production. Precautions must be taken to prevent possible water contamination as a result of fly ash usage in agricultural soils. Positive correlations exist between the concentrations of either water or acid extractable B, F, Mo, and Se or acid extractable As in fly ash and those of the similar elements in effluent waters near a fly ash landfill.Solubility of fly ash in water is an important factor which determines the extent of water pollution from fly ash. This study investigates the transport of heavy metals and cations in a sandy soil amended with various rates of fly ash. 14 refs., 3 tabs.