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The residue concentrations and congener profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) were examined in fly ash and bottom ash released from different thermal industrial processes in Vietnam. PCDD/F concentrations and toxic equivalents (TEQs) in the ash samples varied greatly and decreased in the following order: steel making > aluminum recycling > medical waste incinerator > boilers > municipal waste incinerator > tin production > brick production > coal-fired power plant. Both the precursor and de novo synthesis were estimated as possible formation mechanisms of dioxins in the ash, but the latter pathway was more prevalent. The highest emission factors were estimated for the ash released from some steel-making plants, aluminum-recycling facilities, and a medical waste incinerator. The emission factors of PCDD/Fs in ash released from some steel plants of this study were two to six times higher than the UNEP Toolkit default value. The annual emission amount of ash-bound dioxins produced by 15 facilities in our study was estimated to be 26.2 to 28.4 g TEQ year−1, which mainly contributed by 3 steel plants. Health risk related to the dioxin-containing ash was evaluated for workers at the studied facilities, indicating acceptable risk levels for almost all individuals. More comprehensive studies on the occurrence and impacts of dioxins in waste streams from incineration and industrial processes and receiving environments should be conducted, in order to promote effective waste management and health protection scheme for dioxins and related compounds in this rapidly industrializing country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs related to groundwater monitoring and remediation as of July 1, 2018. Topics discussed include the urgency of U.S. Senators to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set a legally binding limit for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, public hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works regarding groundwater and the regulation proposed by EPA regarding coal ash disposal.

A proposed coal-fired power plant at Rampal, Bangladesh will produce over 38 million tons of ash during 60 years of operation at 90% electric load generation capacity. The ash disposal pond would be full in twelve years even if half of all fly ash is used in concrete and brick production, leaving at least 20 million tons of ash with a disposal plan that is limited to surface impoundment and unlined fills, which are known to cause groundwater and surface water pollution. At Rampal, probable storm tides of 7.4 meters would breach the ash pond walls during the operational life of the coal plant, potentially resulting in catastrophic failure and massive spills of ash. Seasonal monsoon flooding would cause the ash pond itself to overflow, releasing huge volumes of contaminated water. Ash disposal for the proposed coal-fired power plant at Rampal, Bangladesh, would release toxic heavy metals into the waterways of the Sundarbans Delta and Bay of Bengal, which is a World Heritage Site and includes globally important mangroves, endangered aquatic species, and a fishery that feeds hundreds of thousands of poor people. The economic damage cost of the Rampal Plant could exceed $US 100 million dollars per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased concentrations of heavy metals in ash can adversely affect themicrobiological and pedogenetic processes in soil. The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of ash from unburned coal generated in the Kostolac and Gacko coal basins on the quality of soil in the surrounding environment. The investigation included the surface soil layer that was sampled and tested during 2016 and 2017. A total of 30 samples of Kostolac soil and 9 samples of Gacko soil were analyzed for the content of 8 heavy metals: Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Hg, As, Cr and Ni. The analyses were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) technique according to the EPA 6020A method and the following conclusions were made: Kostolac coal ash affects the quality of the surrounding soil in terms of Ni, Cu and Cr as evidenced by the moderately strong correlation of the Ni-Cu pair (k = 0.71), as well as the Cu-Cr pair (k = 0.73) and strong correlation of the Ni-Cr pair (k = 0.82), while the high recorded concentration of Pb, Hg, As and Zn is attributed to other sources of pollution, such as the traffic network and intensive farming activities, and in some cases, its impact is only local. All recorded concentrations of heavy metals are within the remediation values. The effect of ash on soil contamination in the surroundings of the Gacko coal basin is limited to Ni and Cd, with a strong correlation coefficient of this pair (k = 0.82). The recorded overrun of maximum allowed concentration of Cr is evidenced in only 2 samples, and in terms of this element the contamination of the Gacko soil can be considered to be local. It is concluded that prevailing winds play a part in soil pollution. Cluster analysis showed that Ni, Cr and Zn have very similar values in analyzed soil samples from both basins, while a cluster composed of only Hg, in the case of Gacko, indicates lower contamination with Hg compared to the other heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of near surface sediments from the Dan River (southeastern USA) was conducted to assess the use of magnetic properties as proxies of coal ash after a recent spill. The watershed geology is diverse and potentially contributes magnetic minerals to riverbed sediment from diabase dikes in the Dan River Triassic Basin and from granitic gneiss outside the basin. Coal ash is heterogeneous, including aluminosilicate spheres, amorphous particles and carbonaceous rods and lacy particles. The magnetic fraction of ash from the failed storage pond is up to 17 wt% and is mostly composed of black spheres with maghemite and magnetite. Ash was detected in riverbed sediment from quiet water settings such as inside of meander bends, the confluence of tributary streams and near islands between the spill site and 20 miles downstream in the Schoolfield Reservoir, Danville, VA. The strong magnetic signal is detected above background in riverbed samples and is strongly positively correlated with total ash; elevated low field magnetic susceptibility ( χ ) is evident in samples with ≥ 12% ash content. Anhysteretic remanent magnetization and hysteresis parameters delineate native sediment, ash-bearing sediment, and diabase dikes. Between 20 and 70 miles downstream of the spill site, ash concentrations were either buried or too low due to dilution with native sediment to be detected with χ in riverbed samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The storage of coal combustion residue (CCR) in surface water impoundments may have an impact on nearby water quality and aquatic ecosystems. CCR contains leachable trace elements that can enter nearby waters through spills and monitored discharge. It is important, therefore, to understand their environmental fate in affected systems. This experiment examined trace element leachability into freshwater from fly ash (FA), the most common form of CCR. The effects on water quality of FA derived from both high and low sulfur coal sources as well as the influences of two different emergent macrophytes, Juncus effusus and Eleocharis quadrangulata, were evaluated in wetland microcosms. FA leachate dosings increased water electric conductivity (EC), altered pH, and, most notably, elevated the concentrations of boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and manganese (Mn). The presence of either macrophyte species helped reduce elevated EC, and B, Mo, and Mn concentrations over time, relative to microcosms containing no plants. B and Mo appeared to bioaccumulate in the plant tissue from the water when elevated by FA dosing, while Mn was not higher in plants dosed with FA leachates. The results of this study indicate that emergent macrophytes could help ameliorate downstream water contamination from CCR storage facilities and could potentially be utilized in wetland filtration systems to treat CCR wastewater before discharge. Additionally, measuring elevated B and Mo in aquatic plants may have potential as a monitoring tool for downstream CCR contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larval gray tree frogs ( Hyla chrysoscelis) were exposed to inorganic Se (SeO) added to the diet (10.2 and 86.3 ug/g dw) and monitored for accumulation and effect. Background concentrations of Hg were also measured in food and carcasses to assess possible effects of Se on Hg accumulation. Selenium was accumulated in a dose dependent manner, and life stages did not differ. No effects of Se exposure were observed on survival, growth, or time to metamorphosis. Mercury concentrations in carcasses, resulting from background concentrations in food, were significantly affected by the presence of Se. In the high Se treatment, Hg concentrations were significantly decreased relative to those in the low Se treatment and the control. Our study suggests that exposure to inorganic Se as SeO at the concentrations tested do not elicit adverse biological effects, but exposure to relatively high concentrations of Se may reduce accumulation of Hg from food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a hydrogeological survey aimed to substantiate the engineering recultivation of accumulation ponds of lignin mud by inwashing it with coal ash. The ash bed causes compression consolidation of lignin bed, leading to an increase in the pond seal margin. The mass exchange between the ash and the lignin mud is accompanied by changes in the hydrogeochemical conditions: the mineralization of the liquid phase of technogenic soils increases by a factor of up to 8, and the concentration of microcomplex increases to very high values. The analysis of the qualitative state of groundwater showed it to be tolerant to the effect of accumulation ponds. The moderate deviation from the local natural background is due to other pollution sources. The applied recultivation technology is effective and environmentally safe, though it needs modernization. The alternative technology, proposed by OOO VEB-Inzhiniiring, i.e., grouting the pond content, is extremely hazardous, and the implementation of the project involves considerable environmental risk because of the possible loss of pond containment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nakashita, S.; Nakamoto, K.; Koshikawa, Y.; Kim, K.-H., and Hibino, T., 2017. Evaluation of granulated coal ash as artificial seabed for eelgrass. In: Lee, J.L.; Griffiths, T.; Lotan, A.; Suh, K.-S., and Lee, J. (eds.), The 2nd International Water Safety Symposium. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 79, pp. 40-44. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Granulated coal ash (GCA) is a by-product of coal-fired thermoelectric power stations. In this study, GCA was used to create a functional artificial seabed for eelgrass. Moreover, the capability of GCA for the growth of eelgrass in an indoor experiment was examined to elucidate the ability of eelgrass to establish itself and grow in a GCA artificial seabed created in an actual marine environment. The eelgrass in the GCA artificial seabed branched and adapted similar to that on sandy ground. A stable eelgrass community was established in one year in an actual marine environment. Furthermore, five years after transplantation, the eelgrass community was maintained. For the GCA artificial seabed, the oxidation-reduction potential of the bottom sediments was approximately 100 mV higher than that of the surrounding ground, and the amount of sulfide decreased to approximately one third of that of the surrounding ground. Even five years after construction, a stable environment was preserved. Therefore, it is concluded that GCA is an effective material for an eelgrass seabed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The present crippling crude oil price worldwide demands a new strategy and cost-effective technology that will promote additional oil recovery in mature oilfields. Herein, crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAM) gels reinforced with coal fly ash (CFA) were investigated for water reduction purpose during enhanced oil recovery. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is chosen as the crosslinker. Neat PAM/PEI gel and PAM/PEI composite gels filled with various CFA concentrations (0.5 to 2 wt%) were developed and characterized by aging, gravimetric, hybrid rheometer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) instruments. Gelation performance of these gels was conducted at 90 °C, and results show that increase in CFA in PAM/PEI gels causes a delay in the gelation time. This indicates that CFA can act as a retarder in polymer gels applied for water control in mature oilfields. Moreover, the PAM/PEI composite gels containing CFA displayed improved viscoelastic properties as compared to the neat PAM/PEI gel at various gelation behaviors that were tested. Additionally, TGA analysis revealed that PAM/PEI gels infused with different CFA amounts possessed high resistance to thermal decomposition. The presence of alumina and silica in high concentrations in CFA induced a strong bond within these polymer gels, which resulted in improved thermal stability. Further, owing to the fact that CFA only absorbed a small amount of water through the hydroxyl and amine groups, its presence decreased the swelling ability of these composite gels. Morphological and structural analysis demonstrated by these gels affirmed the consistency of viscoelastic, thermal and swelling kinetic results. Copyright © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particles are agglomerated by calcium-based solution in wet flue gas desulphurisation (WFGD) system. Surfactant, polymeric flocculant and vapour condensation are usual ways to strengthen the wet agglomeration. There are different theories without adhesion force to explain these ways. The adhesion force is not the quantitative research emphasis in wet agglomeration, especially in WFGD. But the adhesion force is the key factor in wet agglomeration. We used saturated solutions of CaSO4, CaSO3 and CaCO3, respectively, as bridging liquids. A nano-sized atomic force microscope tip and a micro-sized coal ash particle were as experimental substances. The study results show that the adhesion forces of saturated solutions with surfactants are lower than the pure saturated solutions. The adhesion forces of saturated solutions with surfactants and polymeric flocculants are not necessarily higher than the pure or surfactants added solutions. The theoretical results are in accordance with the experiment datum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry magnetic separation of different sizes of Yiluo fine coal was carried out to purify deleterious elements. It was found that dry magnetic separation can effectively reduce a variety of harmful trace elements in raw coal. Regardless of coal particle size, the rejection efficiency of Cd, Hg, As, and Mn is 39.07%–57.16%, 33.89%–49.94%, 30.49%–47.52%, and 27.10%–52.28%, respectively. Relatively high removal efficiency of Pb, Cu, and Se is obtained, which is 26.23%–35.32%, 27.25%–39.41%, and 25.05%–32.84%, respectively. Moreover, the results show that sulfur rejection of 33.87% and reductions in ash of 41.19% are obtained with particle size of 80–120 mesh, while the combustible recovery reaches 83.68%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The stability of the ashes taken from the three heat-power plants showed that each day of storage in wet landfill causes transformation in their physical and chemical composition. At low temperatures, the spherical grains become brittle and consequently undergo cracking. The studies with a laser diffractometer have shown changes in particle size distribution during the experiment. The pozzolanic activity of the studied ashes significantly decreased under the weathering impact. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With increased environmental awareness, utilization of bottom ash has become an attractive alternative to disposal. The objective of the present work was to study the environmental impact of bottom ash and to explore the possibility of its potential utilization. Comprehensive characterization of four bottom ash samples collected from different thermal power plants was investigated. Particle size distribution, bulk density, settling characteristics, specific gravity, porosity, permeability, and water-holding capacity etc. were determined for all bottom ash samples. A series of leaching tests was also performed to determine the tracing metal characterization of bottom ash. It is observed that Mn, Mg, Cr, Zn, Ni, and Cu were the most abundant elements while Pb, Mo, Fe, and Co were the least abundant elements. According to the mineral characterization, it is observed that silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) are primarily present in all samples. Quartz, mullite, and hematite were identified as the mineral phases. The properties of bottom ash give useful information about the utilization of its end use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The investigations integrate thermo and hydrometallurgical methods for fly ash treatment collected from thermal power Plants (TPP) in Bulgaria. The first stage of the autoclave treatment of the proposed process using sulfuric acid with concentration 20 and 30 mass % at thermal treatment temperature of 100, 120 and 140°C and time of 60, 90, 120, 240, 360 and 480 min, was studied. In the second stage, the obtained samples were dissolved with water at constant temperature and time. Based on the results from chemical analyses the extent of extraction of 12 elements was determined. The data obtained show that the method used can be considered successful for extraction efficiency of 88.8 % for Al, 88.5 % for Fe, over 80 % for Ca, Cu and Mn, over 70 % for Mg, Cr, Mo and nearly 100 % for other elements - Na, Zn and Ni. The extraction behaviour depends on all studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As is the case in many other countries around the world, India's main source of electricity is coal‐fired power plants. In addition to providing energy, the burning of coal also results in large amounts of coal combustion products (CCP), the incombustible material, such as fly ash, left after the coal is burned. These materials are produced in large volume, and if they are not managed or utilized properly, they can pose a danger to the environment. This article discusses the uses of CCP, with a special emphasis on fly ash, and the role that it is currently playing and can continue to play as a mine filler for India's depleted opencast and underground coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Catastrophic events require rapid, scientifically sound decision making to mitigate impacts on human welfare and the environment. The objective of this study was to analyze potential impacts of coal ash-derived trace elements on agriculture following a 35 000-tonne release of coal ash into the Dan River at the Duke Energy Steam Station in Eden, North Carolina. We performed scenario calculations to assess the potential for excessive trace element loading to soils via irrigation and flooding with Dan River water, uptake of trace elements by crops, and livestock consumption of trace elements via drinking water. Concentrations of 13 trace elements measured in Dan River water samples within 4 km of the release site declined sharply after the release and were equivalent within 5 d to measurements taken upriver. Mass-balance calculations based on estimates of soil trace-element concentrations and the nominal river water concentrations indicated that irrigation or flooding with 25 cm of Dan River water would increase soil concentrations of all trace elements by less than 0.5%. Calculations of potential increases of trace elements in corn grain and silage, fescue, and tobacco leaves suggested that As, Cr, Se, Sr, and V were elements of most concern. Concentrations of trace elements measured in river water following the ash release never exceeded adopted standards for livestock drinking water. Based on our analyses, we present guidelines for safe usage of Dan River water to diminish negative impacts of trace elements on soils and crop production. In general, the approach we describe here may serve as a basis for rapid assessment of environmental and agricultural risks associated with any similar types of releases that arise in the future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:353-363. © 2015 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans are exposed to different stress factors that are responsible for over-production of reactive oxygen species. Exposure to heavy metals is one of these factors. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of chronic exposure to heavy metals through coal flying ash on the efficiency of antioxidative defensive mechanisms, represented by the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and ascorbic acid. Nonessential elements such as arsenic and mercury levels showed a significant increase ( p > 0.001) in the power plant workers rather than in the control subjects. There were no significant differences of blood cadmium between power plant workers and control subjects. We found a significant positive correlation ( p < 0.05) between BAs/SZn ( r = 0.211), BAs/BSe ( r = 0.287), BCd/SCu ( r = 0.32) and BHg/BSe ( r = 0.263) in the plant workers. Red blood cell antioxidant enzymes and plasma ascorbic acid were significantly lower in power plants workers than in the control group ( p < 0.002). We can conclude that levels of mercury, arsenic and cadmium in blood, despite their concentration within the reference values, significantly affect plasma ascorbic acid concentration, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, which are able to increase the risk of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nikola Tesla B power plant (TENT-B), located on the Sava River in Obrenovac, 52 km west from the Serbian's capital, Belgrade, is the second largest coal-fired power plant in the country, consisting of two blocks of 620 MW each. Samples of fresh coal ash obtained by coal combustion in TENT-B, as well as coal ash samples from the surface and 1-m depth of active, currently filled, and passive, previously filled and not currently used, cassettes, were taken from the coal ash dump. Ultrasonic extracts of the samples were analyzed using gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GC/MSD) in order to identify and quantify 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Two PAH extraction mechanisms during coal ash dumping and storage processes are discussed and significant differences between them were established. PAH concentrations in the ash samples were compared statistically. Correlations between samples and sampling points were established, and leaching potential of samples was examined. Concentrations of PAHs can be reduced in coal ash sediments by environmental influences only after long time periods, and PAHs with two six-membered rings pose danger to underground waters, while PAHs with three rings pose danger to soil sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Coal-fly ash was released in unprecedented amounts (4.1 × 106 m3) into the Emory River from the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Plant on Watts Bar Reservoir in Tennessee. Tree swallows were exposed to ash-related constituents at the ash release via their diet of emergent aquatic insects, whose larval forms can accumulate constituents from submerged river sediments. Reproduction of tree swallow colonies was assessed over a 2-year period by evaluating whether 1) ash constituent concentrations were elevated in egg, eggshell, and nestling tissues at colonies near ash-impacted river reaches compared to reference colonies, 2) production of fledglings per nesting female was significantly lower in ash-impacted colonies versus reference colonies, and 3) ash constituent concentrations or diet concentrations were correlated with nest productivity measures (clutch size, hatching success, and nestling survival, and fledglings produced per nest). Of the 26 ash constituents evaluated, 4 (Se, Sr, Cu, and Hg) were significantly elevated in tissues potentially from the ash, and 3 (Se, Sr, and Cu) in tissues or in swallow diet items were weakly correlated to at least one nest-productivity measure or egg weight. Tree swallow hatching success was significantly reduced by 12%, but fledgling production per nest was unaffected due to larger clutch sizes in the impacted than reference colonies. Bioconcentration from the ash to insects in the diet to tree swallow eggs appears to be low. Overall, adverse impacts of the ash on tree swallow reproduction were not observed, but monitoring is continuing to further ensure Se from the residual ash does not adversely affect tree swallow reproduction over time. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:56-66. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A baseline ecological risk assessment (BERA) was performed for residual ash in the Watts Bar Reservoir following a release of fly ash from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston Fossil Plant. The site consists of parts of 3 rivers in eastern Tennessee comprising over 32 river kilometers. The purpose of the assessment was to determine if residual ash negatively impacts maintenance and reproduction of balanced communities or populations of potentially exposed ecological receptor groups in these rivers. This introductory article summarizes the site and environmental setting, assessment and measurement endpoints, risk characterization methods, and the study approach. Subsequent articles describe ecological risks to fish, benthic invertebrates, aquatic- and riparian-feeding wildlife, and aerial-feeding insectivores; and the role ecological risk characterization played in determining the most effective management of the residual ash, setting project remediation objectives and targets, and designing long-term monitoring to measure the effectiveness of the selected removal action. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:32-42. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Extensive site-specific biological and environmental data were collected to support an evaluation of risks to the fish community in Watts Bar Reservoir from residual ash from the December 2008 Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston ash release. This article describes the approach used and results of the risk assessment for the fish community, which consists of multiple measurement endpoints (measures of exposure and effects) for fish. The lines of evidence included 1) comparing postspill annual fish community assessments with nearby prespill data and data from other TVA reservoirs, 2) evaluating possible effects of exposures of fish eggs and larval fish to ash in controlled laboratory toxicity tests, 3) evaluating reproductive competence of field-exposed fish, 4) assessing individual fish health through physical examination, histopathology, and blood chemistry, 5) comparing fish tissue concentrations with literature-based critical body residues, and 6) comparing concentrations of ash-related contaminants in surface waters with US Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Ambient Water Quality Standards for Fish and Aquatic Life. These measurement endpoints were treated as independent lines of evidence that were integrated into an overall weight-of-evidence estimate of risk to the fish community. Collectively, the data and analysis presented here indicate that ash and ash-related constituents pose negligible risks to the fish communities in Watts Bar Reservoir. This conclusion contradicts the predictions by some researchers immediately following the ash release of devastating effects on the aquatic ecology of Watts Bar Reservoir. The information presented in this article reaffirms the wisdom of carefully evaluating the evidence before predicting probable ecological effects of a major event such as the TVA Kingston ash release. This study demonstrates that a thorough and detailed investigation using multiple measurement endpoints is needed to properly evaluate ecological effects. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:88-101. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Current scientific advances in metal and metalloid risk assessment were applied to evaluate risk to aquatic and riparian wildlife species potentially impacted by residual coal fly ash after cleanup of an unprecedented large ash release into an aquatic environment-the first assessment of its kind. Risk was evaluated using multiple lines of evidence (LOE), including 1) tissue-based risk assessment of inorganic concentrations in piscivorous and insectivorous bird eggs and raccoon organs, 2) deterministic and probabilistic diet-based risk estimates for 10 receptors species, 3) raccoon health metrics, and 4) tree swallow nest productivity measures. Innovative approaches included use of tissue-based toxicity reference values (TRVs), adjustment of bioavailability in the dietary uptake models (using sequential metal extractions in sediment), partitioning chemical species into uptake compartments (e.g., prey gut, nongut, sediment), incorporating uncertainty in both modeled dose and dietary TRVs, matching TRVs to chemical forms of constituents, and pairing these LOEs with reproductive success or health status of sensitive receptor species. The weight of evidence revealed that risk to wildlife from residual ash was low and that risk, though low, was most pronounced for insectivorous birds from exposure to Se and As. This information contributes to the debate surrounding coal combustion residue regulations prompted by this ash release. Because of the responsible party's proactive approach of applying state-of-the-art methods to assess risk using several LOEs that produced consistent results, and because of their inclusion of the regulating agencies in decisions at every step of the process, the risk assessment results were accepted, and an effective approach toward cleanup protective of the environment was quickly implemented. This study highlights the value of using multiple LOEs and the latest scientific advances to assist in timely decision making to obtain an effective remedy for an emergency spill. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:67-79. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Benthic invertebrate communities were assessed after the December 2008 release of approximately 4.1 million m3 coal fly ash from a disposal dredge cell at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston Fossil Plant on Watts Bar Reservoir in Roane County, Tennessee, USA. Released ash filled the adjacent embayments and the main channel of the Emory River, migrating into reaches of the Emory, Clinch, and Tennessee Rivers. Dredging was completed in summer 2010, and the benthic community sampling was conducted in December 2010. This study is part of a series that supported an Ecological Risk Assessment for the Kingston site. Benthic invertebrate communities were sampled at transects spread across approximately 20 miles of river that includes both riverine and reservoirlike conditions. Community composition was assessed on a grab sample and transect basis across multiple cross-channel transects to gain an understanding of the response of the benthic community to a fly ash release of this magnitude. This assessment used invertebrate community metrics, similarity analysis, geospatial statistics, and correlations with sediment chemistry and habitat. The community composition was reflective of a reservoir system, with dominant taxa being insect larva, bivalves, and aquatic worms. Most community metric results were similar for ash-impacted areas and upstream reference areas. Variation in the benthic community was correlated more with habitat than with sediment chemistry or residual ash. Other studies have reported that a benthic community can take several years to a decade to recover from ash or ash-related constituents. Although released ash undoubtedly had some initial impacts on the benthic community in this study, the severity of these effects appears to be limited to the initial smothering of the organisms followed by a rapid response and the initial start of recovery postdredging. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:43-55. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Under a consent agreement among the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and proponents both for and against stricter regulation, EPA is to issue a new coal ash disposal rule by the end of 2014. Laboratory toxicity investigations often yield conservative estimates of toxicity because many standard test species are more sensitive than resident species, thus could provide information useful to the rule-making. However, few laboratory studies of coal ash toxicity are available; most studies reported in the literature are based solely on field investigations. This brief communication describes a broad range of toxicity studies conducted for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston ash spill, results of which help provide additional perspective on the toxicity of coal ash. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:5-9. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overload of coal ash (CA) generated from several coal fired plants poses acute problems of disposal and contamination of soil and water resources. Since CA generated from tea factories has not yet been characterized from environmental viewpoints, we attempted to critically characterize the agro-ecological compatibility of CA samples (CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4) collected from four distantly located tea factories. Among these samples, we found CA3 and CA4 to have low pH and high metal content. Accordingly, we restricted our study to predict the solubility pattern of non-metal and metal ions in CAs by adopting a geochemical model (Visual MINTEQ). Various fractions of metals like Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, and Pb were studied to figure out the mobility pattern of metals in the environment. The results clearly indicate that tea industry derived CA substantially differs from thermal power plant CA as regards several physico-chemical properties, for example, sandy texture, low pH and high nutrient content. Risk evaluation of human exposure to trace elements and the metal fractionation study led us to conclude that CA1 and CA2 are highly compatible with agricultural use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the mechanism of adsorption of reactive dyes from the textile industry on ash from heating plant produced by brown coal combustion, some characteristic sorption constants are determined using Langergren adsorption equations for pseudo-fi rst and pseudo-second order. Combined kinetic models of pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order can provide a simple but satisfactory explanation of the adsorption process for a reactive dye. According to the characteristic diagrams and results of adsorption kinetic parameters of reactive dyes on ashes, for the applied amounts of the adsorbents and different initial dye concentrations, it can be concluded that the rate of sorption is fully functionally described by second order adsorption model. According to the results, the rate constant of pseudo-second order decreases with increasing initial dye concentration and increases with increasing amount of adsorbent - ash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of environmental assessment of ash ponds of thermal power plants in Vladivostok and Khabarovsk are given. High radioactivity of coal in the Russian Far East is responsible for the accumulation of radionuclides in the fly and bottom ashes, which leads to pollution of atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere with toxic and radioactive elements. Runoff carries these elements to the Ussuri Bay of the Sea of Japan. Harmful effect of these wastes on human health is noted, and possible ways of their utilization have been recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The experimental results performed after the application of one single-stage treatment by sorption onto coal fly ash are evaluated in order to decolorize a real textile effluent of a private company specializing in manufacturing of cotton fabrics (i.e., sorption performance applied for a real textile effluent collected after the fabric dyeing, rinsing, and final finishing steps). The experiments are focused on studying the effect of initial textile effluent pH, adsorbent dose, temperature and adsorption time, considered as operating parameters of sorption process for high pollutant removals (e.g., organic pollutants as dyes, phenols, polymeric, and degradation compounds), and decoloration. The results indicate high values of decoloration degree (55.42-83.00 %) and COD removal (44.44-61.11 %) when it is worked at pH ≤2 with coal ash dose of 12-40 g/L, temperature higher than 20-25 °C, and continuous static operating regime (with an initial agitation step of 3-5 min). The treated textile effluent fulfills the quality demand, and is recyclable, inside reused or discharged after a stage of neutralization (standard pH of 6.5-8.5 for all textile effluent discharges). Also, the final effluent is able to follow the common path to the central biological treatment plant (i.e., a centralized treatment plant for all companies acting in the industrial site area with mechanical-biological steps for wastewater treatment) or may be directly discharged in the nearly watercourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of flux on the melting characteristics of coal ash from the Liu-qiao No. 2 Coal Mine in north Anhui province (AQ) was investigated. The change of the compositions of mineral under various temperatures with the atmosphere of N2 and H2 mixture before and after adding flux into AQ was analyzed by infrared ray. Results show that mullite formed over 1000°C has an effect on increasing the ash fusion temperature of coal, and this is the major reason that leads to a high ash fusion temperature of AQ. The coal ash fusion temperature was obviously reduced by adding calcium-based flux, magnesium-based flux, and ferrum-based flux, respectively. While the added mass amount of calcium-based flux is 6.2% (coal as reference), or the added mass amount of magnesium-based flux is 2.8%, the ash fusion temperature of AQ could be reduced to below 1350°C to meet the requirements of the shell gasifier slag-tapping process. The low temperature eutectic mixtures are easily formed between flux with aluminium silicate minerals under high temperatures, which will remarkably decrease the coal ash fusion temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the proposed way to develop synthetic aggregates (SA) through recycling coal fly ash (CFA) and paper waste (PW) as a granular nitrogen fertilizer for low productive red soil in Okinawa, Japan. This study involves the production of 3 types of ammonium sulfate (AS) with 3 different nitrogen (N) percentages along with the comparison of SA with acidic red soil. It concludes that using SA can improve crop production of acidic red soil due to its properties like low bulk density.

The coal energy sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) represents both a significant economic hope and a considerable environmental threat for the country. One of the major problems of the coal industry is the disposal of large amounts of coal combustion residues. RECOAL was an EU-supported project (2005-7) whose objective was to develop remediation solutions for coal ash disposal (CAD) sites in BiH. Most of RECOAL's environmental fieldwork was based around TEP in the municipality of Tuzla, one of the biggest thermo-electric power plants in the country. Qualitative research was carried out to understand the environmental governance structure of the area and inform and test the acceptance of different remediation solutions proposed by RECOAL. Interviews with institutional stakeholders showed a highly complex institutional structure, where government institutions and industry are involved in complicated negotiations about the distribution of the liabilities resulting from TEP's pollution. Interviews among local residents show that locally organised action could help steer the policy-making process towards more sustainable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of solvents to remove coal ash and generate a clean form of coal. The presence of nanoscale titanium compounds, including titanium dioxide, in this clean coal is noted as a concern because of its negative environmental impact. The Argonne premium coal samples (APCS) Illinois No. 6 (IL) bituminous coal and wyodak-anderson (WY) subbituminous coal are used in this research. The effects of acetic and sulphuric acids as solvents for coal are discussed. The different qualities of titanium compounds in different types of coal are described. The levels of titanium speciation found in these coals is discussed.

Lignite fly ash (LFA), being alkaline and endowed with excellent pozzolanic properties, a silt loam texture, and plant nutrients, has the potential to improve soil quality and productivity. Long-term field trials with groundnut, maize, and sun hemp were carried out to study the effect of LFA on growth and yield. Before crop I was sown, LFA was applied at various doses with and without press mud (an organic waste from the sugar industry, used as an amendment and source of nutrients). LFA with and without press mud was also applied before crops III and V were cultivated. Chemical fertilizer, along with gypsum, humic acid, and biofertilizer, was applied in all treatments, including the control. With one-time and repeat applications of LFA (with and without press mud), yield increased significantly (7.0–89.0%) in relation to the control crop. The press mud enhanced the yield (3.0–15.0%) with different LFA applications. The highest yield LFA dose was 200 t/ha for one-time and repeat applications, the maximum yield being with crop III (combination treatment). One-time and repeat application of LFA (alone and in combination with press mud) improved soil quality and the nutrient content of the produce. The highest dose of LFA (200 t/ha) with and without press mud showed the best residual effects (eco-friendly increases in the yield of succeeding crops). Some increase in trace- and heavy-metal contents and in the level of γ-emitters in soil and crop produce, but well within permissible limits, was observed. Thus, LFA can be used on a large scale to boost soil fertility and productivity with no adverse effects on the soil or crops, which may solve the problem of bulk disposal of fly ash in an eco-friendly manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four crop plants were grown in a greenhouse in soils amended with 0, 5, 10, and 20% by weight of coal combustion fly ash to evaluate potential trace element uptake by the vegetation. The leaves and stems from each plant were harvested and analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se, Tl, and Zn content during early, middle, and late growth. The trace element data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine whether the trace element uptake in the four crop plants differed significantly between the soil treatments, and to identify significant differences in trace element uptake through time. The results show that the amount of amended fly ash does not significantly influence the concentration of most trace elements in plant tissue, and that some concentrations actually decrease with time. Although this study did not find a significant increase in trace element uptake, care must be taken in a natural environment where plants may behave differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 1955 and 1989, coal ash was deposited within an impounded watershed on the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, creating the 3.6 ha Filled Coal Ash Pond (FCAP). The site has subsequently become vegetated wildlife habitat. To evaluate risks that metals in ash may pose to wildlife; ash, surface water, small mammal, and vegetation samples were collected and metal residues were determined. Metal concentrations, As and Se in particular, were elevated in ash, surface water, plant foliage, and small mammals relative to reference materials. Estimates of metal exposures were calculated for short-tailed shrews, white-footed mice, white-tailed deer, red fox, and red-tailed hawks. While shrews and mice were assumed to reside exclusively at and receive 100% exposure from the site, exposure experienced by deer, fox, and hawks was assumed to be proportional to the size of the site relative to their home range. Because deer had been observed to consume ash, presumably for its high sodium content, exposure experienced by deer consuming ash to meet sodium requirements was also estimated. Exposure estimates were compared to body-size adjusted toxicity data for each metal. These comparisons suggest that metals at the site may be detrimental to reproduction and survivorship of mice, shrews, and deer consuming ash for sodium; fox and hawks do not appear to be at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses policies on coal mining in the U.S. Some 150 new coal-fired plants are in planning stages, most of the facilities will use antiquated pulverized coal technology that impedes collection of carbon dioxide, which is the major contributor to global warming. The coal mining also toxifies drinking water with ash waste, destroys the landscape, and harms human health and safety. Moreover, reliance on coal as an energy source puts a drag on investment in the development of new energy technologies.

The article discusses the worst outcomes and concern regarding the disposal of the U.S. coal-fired power plants, runoff and seepage from coal ash which pollute groundwater and nearby habitats. It mentions a study regarding the pollutant-related toll on wildlife which asks for new regulations considering the ecological effects and ban on coal-waste disposal. It informs that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a policy to regulate coal ash waste.

The article reports that fish exposed to fly ash at the site of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) December 2008 coal ash spill appear healthy, according a study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in collaboration with TVA. According to Mark Peterson of ORNL, fish populations can be impacted by factors unrelated to the spill, such as food and habitat availability. The article notes that some contaminants, such as selenium, may not cause effects that can be measured immediately after a spill.

The article reports on the decision of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson that EPA has postponed the release of any new coal-ash regulations for a short period of time in December 2009. It notes that the agency has admitted that it needed more time due to the complexity of the analysis. It reveals that demands for additional regulation has increased due to the incident that happened in the mountains of eastern Tennessee at the Kingston Fossil Plant in 2008.