Physicochemical and leaching properties of coal ashes from Malaysian coal power plant

Coal ash (fly (FA) and bottom (BA) ashes) contain heavy metals. This research presents physicochemical and leaching properties of coal ashes (FA, BA and FA + BA) from a Malaysian power plant. The physicochemical (X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) and leaching properties (toxicity characteristic leaching (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching (SPLP) procedures) of ash samples were determined. Heavy metals like lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Leaching properties were found to complied to the standard guidelines for heavy metals. Further investigation on leaching properties is recommended for construction industry applications.

Automated summary

This research examined the physicochemical and leaching properties of coal ashes from a Malaysian power plant, finding that the leaching properties of heavy metals complied with standard guidelines. Further investigation on the leaching properties for construction industry applications is recommended.