As reported by Conserve Energy Future in the article, “Coal Ash: Composition & Environmental Impact,” coal ash is the residue left after coal is burned for energy production, and its composition varies based on the type of coal and the combustion process. Key components of coal ash include silica, alumina, iron oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and trace elements like arsenic and mercury. These elements contribute to the physical and chemical properties of coal ash, influencing its interactions with the environment.
Coal ash is produced in several forms, including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material. Fly ash, rich in silica and alumina, is often used in cement production, while bottom ash, consisting of larger particles, can be used in construction materials. Boiler slag, a glassy material, is also utilized in construction due to its durability. FGD material, on the other hand, is created during the removal of sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants.
While coal ash has various industrial applications, it also poses serious environmental risks, particularly in relation to water contamination and air pollution. Toxic elements in coal ash, such as arsenic and chromium, can leach into groundwater and surface water, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and potentially affecting human health. Chromium exposure, for example, is linked to skin conditions, liver damage, and kidney problems.
In addition to water pollution, coal ash disposal can lead to air quality issues, with particulate matter and trace elements contributing to respiratory problems in nearby communities. According to reports from Physicians for Social Responsibility and Earthjustice, long-term exposure to coal ash can cause asthma, lung disease, and even cancer.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of conserve-energy-future.com.