Fly Ash

Why in News?

• Villagers and farmers residing around Kahalgaon super power thermal station in Bihar are suffering damage to their health and standing crops owing to improper management of fly ash generated in the power plant, according to a joint study by two non-profit organisations.

What is fly ash?

• Fly ash is a fine gray powder consisting mostly of spherical, glassy particles that are produced as a byproduct in coal-fired power stations.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT) through an order has made it legally binding for all thermal power plants to ensure complete disposal of or utilization of fly ash immediately.
• The main chemical components present in fly ash are: Silicon dioxide, Aluminum oxide, Ferric oxide, Calcium oxide (occasionally).

What are the applications of fly ash?

• Fly ash can be used as prime material in many cement-based products.
• Fly ash has been used as embankment and mine fill.
• Road construction.
• Fly ash can be used to improve soil productivity due to high concentration of elements like (K, Na, Zn, Ca, Mg and Fe).

What are the concerns associated with fly ash?

• Contamination of ground and surface water.
• Fly ash contains heavy metals from coal, a large amount of PM 2.5 and black carbon (BC) and is thus prone to cause respiratory issues and other diseases in humans.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements  regarding Fly ash:
1.It can be used for Road construction.
2.It is a pollutant obtained as a byproduct from coal powered thermal power stations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question