Revegetation of Fly Ash ‒ A Review With Emphasis on Grass-Legume Plantation and Bioaccumulation of Metals

Abstract

Abstract. Uninterrupted generation of fly ash by the coal based thermal power plants and its dumping has lead to steady encroachment of useful land in India. The deleterious effects of fly ash on the nearby environment are inevitable due to its fine texture and presence of toxic metals. Thus, proper revegetation programme of the sites are highly desirable due to their continuance in being the part of landscape. This paper conglomerates all the issues which should be taken into account to prevent groundwater contamination and increase phytostabilization of metals. An insight to the past and the prevailing restoration scenario will help in selecting of plant species for biomass production. Primarily, an integrated approach towards revegetation is necessary which comprises native and exotic grass-legume species, readily available composts, green manure, and mulches. The paucity of studies in relation to the long term changes in fly ash due to vegetation is to be permeated through regular analysis of substrate nutrient status, extent of nutrient loss, bioavailable toxic metals, in restoration sites. The range of methodologies and indexes discussed here will benefit the future management approaches of fly ash with emphasis on phytoremediation of trace metals, development of aesthetically pleasant landscape and productivity.

Evaluation of the Bioavailability and Translocation of Selected Heavy Metals by Brassica juncea and Spinacea oleracea L for a South African Power Utility Coal Fly Ash

“…Coal-fly-ash dumps are a major source of chemical-species contamination of the environment as a whole. Maiti and Prasad [1] mentioned that coal-based thermal power plants generate coal fly ash (CFA) as the main industrial-waste product, at approximately 70%–75% [2], and it has been recognized as an environmental hazard across the globe. In South Africa, coal-fired power stations consume ±120 million tons of coal per annum, producing 30 million tons of CFA, to supply the bulk of South Africa’s electricity.…”

“…Most of these chemical species are toxic and persistent at high concentrations, while some are toxic even at trace concentrations. They are regarded as environmental pollutants and pose a threat to the environment and human health [1]. Thus, improper CFA dumping will continue to cause land degradation, water, air, and soil pollution if preventive measures are not implemented.…”

Carbohydrate resources used by ants at ash dumps of combined heat and power plant at the initial stages of self-revegetation: preliminary data

“…Одним из наиболее ярких примеров таких территорий являются золоотвалы ТЭЦ, которые используются для складирования отходов сжигания угля -золошлаков. Располагаясь в пределах городов, отработавшие свой срок золоотвалы представляют собой источник потенциальной опасности как для окружающей среды (воздушная среда и грунтовые воды), так и здоровья человека [Haynes, 2009;Pan et al, 2011;Maiti, Prasad, 2016]. Эффективное восстановление нарушенных территорий требует детального изучения особенностей формирования и функци-онирования пионерных сообществ растений и животных в этих условиях.…”

Evaluation of the Bioavailability and Translocation of Selected Mobile Chemical Species by <em>Brassica juncea</em> and <em>Spinacea oleracea L</em> for a South African Power Utility Coal Fly Ash

“…Coal fly ash dumps are major sources of chemical species contamination of the environment as a whole. Maiti and Prasad [1] mentioned that coal based thermal power plants generate coal fly ash (CFA) as the main industrial waste product, approximately 70 -75% [2] and it has been recognized as an environmental hazard across the globe. In South Africa coal-fired power stations consume ±120 million tons of coal per annum, producing 30 million tons of CFA, to supply the bulk of South Africa's electricity.…”

“…Most of these chemical species at high concentrations are toxic and persistent, while some are toxic even at trace concentrations. They are regarded as environmental pollutants and pose a threat to the environment and human health [1]. Thus improper CFA dumping will continue to cause land degradation, water, air and soil pollution if preventive measures are not implemented.…”