Chemical Speciation, Leaching Behavior, and Environmental Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in the Bottom Ash from Biomass Power Plant

Abstract

Biomass combustion for power generation stands as a pivotal method in energy utilization, offering a promising approach for renewable energy utilization. However, the substantial volume of slag produced by biomass burning plants poses environmental challenges, impeding sustainable energy practices. This article systematically studies the characteristics of ash generated from typical biomass direct combustion power plant ash and analyzes the chemical composition, trace element content characteristics, leaching characteristics, and chemical forms of biomass bottom ash. Furthermore, it assesses the environmental ecology and bioavailability of trace elements in bottom ash using the ecological risk assessment method and RAC method. The results demonstrate that the biomass bottom ash contains plant nutrients, such as K, Ca, Mg, and P, while the content of harmful trace elements is lower than the relevant Chinese standards. In dissolution experiments, the leaching rate of nearly all elements remains exceptionally low, primarily due to the distribution of trace elements within the lattice structure of stable minerals. Trace elements predominantly exist in the residual phase, Cu and Zn primarily found in organic compounds and sulfide bound states, while other elements mostly exist in the form of iron manganese oxide bound states. Ecological risk assessment indicates a significant risk level for Cd, contrasting with the slight risk associated with other elements. RAC results indicated no ecological risk of all of the trace elements. Consequently, the utilization of bottom ash in agricultural and forestry soils is deemed to be viable. These findings serve as a crucial foundation for biomass bottom ash resource utilization and underpin the sustainable utilization of biomass energy.

Bio-based resources: systemic & circular solutions for (agro)environmental services

“…When evaluating the environmental risks of BA its physicochemical properties are crucial for infiltration, salinization, leaching, 116 deposition, oxidation, and (de)carbonization. 16,117 By Tao et al 89 multivariate analytical approach identified a trend of increasing BA and carbon content in the next sequence: woody species > herbaceous dicotyledons > C4 graminoids > C3 graminoids.…”