We are planning on developing a project on potential use of fly ash generated from thermal power plants. It has both a number of potentials and pitfalls for use in aquaculture. There is risk of a number of environmental risks especially heavy metal contamination. It used in fish pond there will be risk of transfer of contaminants along the food chain. How the project's aim and objectives can be drawn, the technical design and work plan can be made. Above all, how the pre-application treatment of fly ash can be thought for removal and inactivation of heavy metals and other toxic contaminants.
Yalanta Biswas, The Issues with fly ash are related to their high heavy metal content and toxicity potential from them. This heavy metal toxicity is largely a consequence of high content combining with local acid conditions promoting their solubility leading to toxicity. In neutral alklaine pH there can be little issue of heavy metal toxicity but in acid conditions toxicity can be an ever present danger. I believe the best potential use of coal fly ash would be for artificial reef substrate. The Stabilized Ash in porous blocks would be exposed in a continuous slight alkaline pH of the ocean water and this should minimize the solubility of heavy metals. The ability to plant appropriate coral would create an environment to foster substantial Carbon sequestration and the corals will foster a diverse community of organisms to promote fisheries and recreation and other regenerative opportunities. Long term research and development would be directed on proof of concept proving problem solving understanding of base mechanisms and monitoring needed for this transformational approach. The ability of fostering coral would counteract the carbon footprint of fossil fuel use. Ideally the desulfurizing would be used on semi arid and arid agriculture with alkalinity issues. Reuse and recovery can completely change of the issues related to this fossil fuel which is still needed for a transition fuel to our solar future and for base thermoelectrical generation capacity. The resolution of more of our issues are in reusing and recycling materials in a safe way. In nature nothing is every thrown away.
Interesting discussion...
Fly ash leachate induces stress in freshwater fish Channa punctata (Bloch). Source : Environ Int. 2004 Sep;30(7):933-8.DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2004.03.00
Abstract : Oxidative stress inducing potential of fly ash leachate (FAL) was studied in a freshwater fish, Channa punctata (Bloch). Fish were exposed to fly ash leachate for 24 h and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was studied as a marker of oxidative stress. Catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were also estimated in the exposed fish. FAL (1 ml/l) induced LPO in all the organs and most prominent response was in the gill. It also caused induction of enzymes and glutathione. Liver showed highest level of induction of enzyme activities. The results of this study demonstrate that fly ash constituents have potential to induce oxidative stress in fish and gills are the most vulnerable organs. It is also suggested that in case of exposure to FAL, along with LPO antioxidant defense is also activated to counteract the reactive oxygen species (ROS) at least partly in the initial stages of exposure.
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