Evaluation of the properties of coal bottom ash, as regards the possibilities of using it in biological land reclamation

Abstract

The use of waste in land reclamation projects or road works is a generally applied method of waste recycling since coal bottom ash can be used in plant substrate. This paper presents the results of research on the physical and chemical properties and the toxicity of waste originating from power stations, in the form of coal bottom ash collected from pulverisedfuel and fluidised-bed boilers. To evaluate the eco-toxicological properties of waste, a series of plant growing tests were conducted, with the use of selected plant species, as well as germination tests in water extracts of waste. The latter were intended to determine whether coal bottom ash displayed cytostatic activity, while, in the case of pot experiments, the purpose was to determine the germination rates and growths of both above-ground and underground parts of plants. The test results indicated that the influence of the tested coal bottom ash on the plant development and growth depended on physical and chemical properties of that waste. The reactions of plants were also changing depending on the proportion of waste in soil.