Influence of fly ash on soil physical properties and turfgrass establishment

A field study (1993-96) assessed the benefits of applying unusually high rates of coal fly ash as a soil amendment to enhance water retention of soils without adversely affecting growth and marketability of the turf species, centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.]. A Latin Square plot design was employed that included 0 (control, no ash applied), 280, 560, and 1120 Mg ha-1 application rates of unweathered precipitator fly ash. The fly ash was spread evenly over each plot area, rototilled, and allowed to weather under natural conditions for 8 mo before seeding. High levels of soluble salts, indicated by the electrical conductivity (EC) of soil extracts, in tandem with an apparent phytotoxic effect from boron (B), apparently inhibited initial plant establishment as shown by substantially lower germination counts in treated soil. However, plant height and rooting depth were not adversely affected, as were the dry matter (DM) yields throughout the study period. Ash treatment did not significantly influence water infiltration rate, bulk density, or temperature of the soil, but substantially improved water-holding capacity (WHC) and plant-available water (PAW). Enhanced water retention capacity improved the cohesion and handling property of harvested sod.     

Increasing bioavailability of phosphorus from fly ash through vermicomposting

Due to the environmental problems created by large-scale fly ash generation throughout the world, efforts are being made to recycle these materials. An important component of the recycling effort is using fly ash to improve low-fertility soils. Because availability of many nutrients is very low in fly ash, available ranges of such nutrients must be improved to increase the effectiveness of fly ash as a soil amendment. In the present study, we assessed the possibility of increasing P bioavailability in fly ash through vermicomposting in a yard experiment. Fly ash was mixed with organic matter in the form of cow (Bos taurus) dung at 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 ratios and incubated with and without epigeic earthworm (Eisenia fetida) for 50 d. The concentration of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) was found to increase many fold in the earthworm-treated series of fly ash and organic matter combinations compared with the series without earthworm. This helped to transform considerable amounts of insoluble P from fly ash into more soluble forms and thus resulted in increased bioavailability of the nutrients in the vermicomposted series. Among different combinations of fly ash and organic matter, P availability in fly ash due to vermicomposting was significantly higher in the 1:1 fly ash to cow dung treatment compared with the other treatments.     

Chemical composition of organic matter in extremely acid, lignite-containing lake sediments impacted by fly ash contamination

In the Lusatian lignite mining district of eastern Germany, extremely acid lakes developed during ground water rising after exploitation of lignite in open-cast mines. The reasons of plant colonization (Juncus bulbosus L.) of some lakes exhibiting moderate pH values while others remain extremely acid and unvegetated are unknown. Alkalinity gain may be achieved by addition of alkaline materials and/or decomposition of organic matter. Our objective was to examine fly ash deposition and the resulting changes in organic matter composition in the uppermost 0 to 5 cm of the sediment sampled from vegetated and unvegetated lakes. Bulk soil and particle size fractions were analyzed for elemental composition, magnetic susceptibility, and chemical structure of the organic matter by 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The lignite content of the samples was estimated by 14C activity measurements. The pH values decreased with increasing depth and the changes in pH were found to be correlated with changes in magnetic susceptibility. Carbon and nitrogen contents were found to decrease with increasing depth. The C to N ratios are consistent with the (i) the presence of decomposing plant residues and/or microbial material such as algae in the upper 0 to 5 cm of the sediment and (ii) the dominance of lignite in the layers below this depth as confirmed by 14C activity measurements. The structural analyses of the particle size separates from the 0- to 5-cm depth were consistent with the presence of organic matter derived from plant material. This study confirms that fly ash is an important source of alkalinity in the upper 0 to 5 cm of the sediment that enhanced plant growth and led to enrichment of the sediment with organic matter derived from plant material.     

Soft subgrades’ stabilization by using various fly ashes

This publication presents the results of research involving different types of self-cementing fly ashes (without any other activators) for the stabilization of four different types of soft subgrades from various road sites in Wisconsin, USA. The strength approaches were applied to estimate the optimum mixture design and to determine the thickness of the stabilized layer. The stabilized soil samples were prepared by mixing fly ash at different contents at varying water contents. The performance of fly ash stabilized subbase depends both on the specific source of fly ash and the engineering properties of soils. It is suggested that the performance analysis of fly ash should be based upon the laboratory tests such as index properties, compaction, unconfined compressive strength and CBR tests of a specific site. This is suggested rather than using the study of the physical properties and chemical composition of fly ash and soil. As disclosed in the literature, the strength gain due to stabilization depends mainly upon three factors; ash content, molding water content and compaction delay. The samples were subjected to unconfined compression strength and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests after 7 days curing time to develop water content–strength relationship. To evaluate the impact of compaction delay that commonly occurs in the field during construction, the sets of samples were compacted 2 h later after mixing with water. The unconfined compression strength and CBR tests were performed and used to determine the thickness of the stabilized layer in pavement design. All of these factors were taken into account throughout this research.     

Acidification-neutralization processes in a lignite mine spoil amended with fly ash or limestone

A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the longterm effects of amending sulfide-rich lignite mine spoil with fly ash (originating from a coal-fired power station and largely comprised of aluminosilicates) and/or agricultural limestone. The experiment was carried out with soil moisture maintained at field capacity or alternate cycles of wetting and drying. Results obtained suggest that the principal acidification processes were oxidation of sulfide and formation of hydroxysulfate (FeOHSO4), whereas the main neutralization processes were weathering of aluminosilicates in fly ash-treated samples and dissolution of calcium carbonate in limestone-treated samples. The highest dose of limestone rapidly raised the pH of the spoil, but this increase was not maintained throughout the one-year experiment. In contrast, fly ash-treated samples showed a more sustained increase in pH, attributable to the gradual weathering of aluminosilicates. The best results (i.e., good short- and long-term neutralization) were obtained in samples treated with both fly ash and limestone. The low liming capacity of the fly ash (47.85 cmol kg(-1)) means that it must be used in large quantities, an advantage in achieving the further aim of disposing of the fly ash.     

Growth and elemental accumulation by canola on soil amended with coal fly ash

To explore the agronomic potential of an Australian coal fly ash, we conducted two glasshouse experiments in which we measured chlorophyll fluorescence, CO2 assimilation (A), transpiration, stomatal conductance, biomass accumulation, seed yield, and elemental uptake for canola (Brassica napus) grown on soil amended with an alkaline fly ash. In Experiment 1, application of up to 25 Mg/ha of fly ash increased A and plant weight early in the season before flowering and seed yield by up to 21%. However, at larger rates of ash application A, plant growth, chlorophyll concentration, and yield were all reduced. Increases in early vigor and seed yield were associated with enhanced uptake of phosphorus (P) by the plants treated with fly ash. Fly ash application did not influence accumulation of B, Cu, Mo, or Zn in the stems at any stage of plant growth or in the seed at harvest, except Mo concentration, which was elevated in the seed. Accumulation of these elements was mostly in the leaves, where concentrations of Cu and Mo increased with any amount of ash applied while that of B occurred only with ash applied at 625 Mg/ha. In Experiment 2, fly ash applied at 500 Mg/ha and mixed into the whole 30 cm soil core was detrimental to growth and yield of canola, compared with restricting mixing to 5 or 15 cm depth. In contrast, application of ash at 250 Mg/ha with increasing depth of mixing increased A and seed yield. We concluded that fly ash applied at not more than 25 Mg/ha and mixed into the top 10 to 15 cm of soil is sufficient to obtain yield benefits.     

An appraisal of the potential use of fly ash for reclaiming coal mine spoil

Growing dependence on coal-fired power plants for electrical generation in many countries presents ongoing environmental challenges. Burning pulverized coal in thermal power plants (TPPs) generates large amounts of fly ash (FA) that must be disposed of or otherwise handled, in an environmentally-sound manner. A possible option for dealing with fly ash is to use it as an amendment for mine spoil or other damaged soil. It has been demonstrated through studies in India and other countries that FA alone or in combination with organic or inorganic materials can be used in a productive manner for reclamation of mine spoil. The characteristics of FA, including silt-sized particles, lighter materials with low bulk density (BD), higher water holding capacity, favorable pH and significant concentrations of many essential plant nutrients, make it a potentially favorable amendment for mine spoil reclamation. Studies have indicated that the application of FA has improved the physical, chemical and biological qualities of soil to which it is applied. The release of trace metals and soluble salts from FA could be a major limitation to its application. This is particularly true of fresh, un-weathered FA or acidic FA, although perhaps not a concern for weathered/pond ash or alkaline FA. Some potential contaminants, especially metals and other salt ions, could be immobilized and rendered biologically inert by the addition of certain inorganic and organic amendments. However, in view of the variability in the characteristics of FAs that are associated with location, feed coal, combustion conditions and other factors, the suitability of a particular FA for a specific soil/mine spoil needs to be critically evaluated before it is applied in order to maximize favorable results and eliminate unexpected consequences. FA generated in India tends to be mostly alkaline, with lower levels of trace elements than are often found in FAs from other countries. The concentrations of potential chemical stressors, predominantly metals, in Indian FAs are often less than established or proposed permissible limits and are thus better suited for soil application. A major logistic limitation to the use of FA could be the cost involved in transport of ash from production to utilization sites.     

Characteristics of slag, fly ash and deposited particles during melting of dewatered sewage sludge in a pilot plant

This study examines slag, fly ash, and deposited particles during melting of dewatered sewage sludge in a pilot plant. In addition, the chemical composition of particles in flue gas was simulated using a thermodynamics program, namely FACTSage 5.2. The results showed that the main components of slag were Al, Fe, Ca, P and Si; the minor components were Na, K, Mg, Cu, and Zn. The main chemical compound of slag was Ca4(Mg,Fe)5(PO4)6. For fly ash particles, heavy metals with the highest concentrations were in the order of Zn and As, Pb, Cu, and Cd, respectively. For non-heavy metals, Al, Fe and P were also found in significant amounts. The majority of deposited particles were composed of elements of Zn, P, S, Na, Fe, Al, Si, and Ca and such chemical compounds as Zn3(PO4)2, AlPO4, FePO4 and Fe(OH)3 while the minority consisted of elements of As, Cu, and Pb. Moreover, the compositions of deposited particles in each chamber differed due to different flue gas temperatures inside. In the secondary chamber at 760 degrees C, the amounts of Fe and Al were higher than Zn, whereas, in the other chambers (600-400 degrees C), the amount of Zn was higher. In other words, at the lower temperature the deposition of Zn was higher than the deposition of Fe and Al. In the water cooling section, volatile elements (i.e. Zn, As, Cu, Pb) were found in the highest concentrations due to a big difference in temperature between the wall surface and flue gas. From the simulation results, most of the elements in the gas phase were found to be chloride compounds, whereas those in the solid phase were in the form of oxide, sulfate, and phosphate compounds.     

Virus retention and transport as influenced by different forms of soil organic matter

Organic materials are widespread in natural soil and aquatic environments. Their effect on virus transport is very important in assessing the risk for contamination of ground water by viruses. This study aimed to determine how different forms (mineral-associated and dissolved) of natural organic matter influence the retention and transport of two bacteriophages (MS-2 and phiX174) in two porous media (a sand and a soil). We found that mineral-associated organic matter significantly promoted the transport of one virus (MS-2) but not the other (phiX174) in a phosphate-buffered saline solution. Similarly, MS-2 was retained less in sand columns with increasing concentrations of dissolved humic acid, while little effect was observed for phiX174 under the same conditions. The two viruses have different surface properties and thus exhibited different reactivity to the metal oxides present on sand particles and were affected differently by organic matter. Because the organic matter used in the study was negatively charged and hydrophilic, blocking of virus sorption sites and increasing of virus-medium electrostatic repulsion arising from modification of the sand and virus surface by organic matter are probably responsible for the facilitated transport. For dissolved humic acid, its competition for sorption sites with viruses was an additional mechanism involved. This study suggests that the effect of organic matter varied depending on the organic material properties and the type of viruses involved. As a general trend, the effect of organic matter was dominated by electrostatic rather than hydrophobic interactions.     

Strategies for determining soil-loss tolerance

Excessive soil losses due to erosion or lateral displacement by machinery impair productivity. Some soil loss is tolerable, but not so much that plant productivity diminishes. Thus productivity is the dominant concern in determining soil-loss tolerance. The effects of soil loss on productivity, however, are difficult to determine. Therefore, two alternatives are discussed for determining the limits of soil loss, or soil-loss tolerance. These alternatives are the maintenance of soil organic matter and, for shallow and moderately deep soils, the maintenance of soil depth. They are not new strategies, but our rapidly increasing knowledge of the dynamics of soil organic matter and the rates of soil formation from bedrock or consolidated sediments warrants the reconsideration of these alternatives. Reductions in either soil organic matter or the depth of shallow or moderately deep soils will lead to declining productivity. Soil organic matter, considered to be a surrogate for productivity, is much easier to monitor than is productivity. Also, there are many computer models for predicting the effects of management on soil organic matter. Recently compiled data on rates of soil formation suggest that soil losses of 1 t/a (2.24 Mg/ha yr) are greater than the rate of replenishment by the weathering of lithic or paralithic material in all but very wet climates.     

Impact of genetically modified crops and their management on soil microbially mediated plant nutrient transformations

One of the potential environmental effects of the recent rapid increase in the global agricultural area cultivated with transgenic crops is a change in soil microbially mediated processes and functions. Among the many essential functions of soil biota are soil organic matter decomposition, nutrient mineralization and immobilization, oxidation-reduction reactions, biological N fixation, and solubilization. However, relatively little research has examined the direct and indirect effects of transgenic crops and their management on microbially mediated nutrient transformations in soils. The objectives of this paper are to review the available literature related to the environmental effects of transgenic crops and their management on soil microbially mediated nutrient transformations, and to consider soil properties and climatic factors that may affect the impact of transgenic crops on these processes. Targeted genetic traits for improved plant nutrition include greater plant tolerance to low Fe availability in alkaline soils, enhanced acquisition of soil inorganic and organic P, and increased assimilation of soil N. Among the potential direct effects of transgenic crops and their management are changes in soil microbial activity due to differences in the amount and composition of root exudates, changes in microbial functions resulting from gene transfer from the transgenic crop, and alteration in microbial populations because of the effects of management practices for transgenic crops, such as pesticide applications, tillage, and application of inorganic and organic fertilizer sources. Possible indirect effects of transgenic crops, including changes in the fate of transgenic crop residues and alterations in land use and rates of soil erosion, deserve further study. Despite widespread public concern, no conclusive evidence has yet been presented that currently released transgenic crops, including both herbicide and pest resistant crops, are causing significant direct effects on stimulating or suppressing soil nutrient transformations in field environments. Further consideration of the effects of a wide range of soil properties, including the amount of clay and its mineralogy, pH, soil structure, and soil organic matter, and variations in climatic conditions, under which transgenic crops may be grown, is needed in evaluating the impact of transgenic crops on soil nutrient transformations. Future environmental evaluation of the impact of the diverse transgenic crops under development could lead to an improved understanding of soil biological functions and processes.     

TROPHIC LEVEL ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN A COAL ASH BASIN DRAINAGE SYSTEM1

ABSTRACT: The uptake of ten chemical elements was measured in water, sediment, fly ash, and the major biotic components of an ash basin drainage system. The biota tested represent several trophic levels observed in the settling basin and receiving swamp of the system. Concentrations were measured by neutron activation (NAA) in the major biotic groups including aquatic bacteria, algae, macrophytes, midges, dragonflies, crayfish, tadpoles, and fish. Only three elements (Cu, Zn, Cd) were more highly concentrated in water from a nearby unpolluted stream than in the fly ash effluent. Sediment concentrations of all elements were highest in the ash drainage system with Al and Fe being consistently highest. Among the biota, Hydrodictyon sp. and Lemna perpusilla had the highest concentrations of Al and Fe while other macrophytes were the major accumulators of Mn and Ba. Invertebrates generally concentrated high amounts of Cu and Zn although Cd and Hg were accumulated most by crayfish. Selenium was selectively concentrated by bacteria, crayfish (Procambarus sp.) and mosquitofish (Gambusia afflnis). Consequences of elemental concentrations in sediment and in specific trophic level groups are discussed.     

Properties of several fly ash materials in relation to use as soil amendments

Fly ash samples from five power stations in Western Australia and Queensland, and two soils used for horticulture in Western Australia, were evaluated for a series of physical and chemical properties. Soils were comprised primarily of coarse sand-sized particles, whereas most of the fly ashes were primarily fine sand- and silt-sized particles. Hydraulic conductivities in the fly ashes were 105- to 248-fold slower than in the soils. The water-holding capacities of fly ashes at "field capacity" were three times higher than those of the soils. Extractable P in the fly ashes (except Tarong and Callide) were 20- to 88-fold higher than in the soils. The pH showed considerable variation among the different sources of fly ash, with samples from Muja being the most acidic (pH = 3.8; 1:5 in CaCl2 extract) and from Gladstone the most alkaline (pH = 9.9). The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) values indicate that the potential for release of trace elements from the fly ashes was well below regulatory levels. When applied at sufficient rates (e.g., to achieve 10% w/w in surface layers) to sandy soils, fly ash altered texture and increased water-holding capacity. Depending on the source of fly ash used, such amendments could also provide P and aid nutrient retention by increasing the phosphorus retention index (PRI) and/or cation exchange capacity (CEC). The considerable variability in physical and chemical properties among the fly ash samples evaluated in the present study supports the notion that field trials are essential to the future development of soil amendment strategies making use of any particular source of fly ash.     

Soil organic carbon of degraded wetlands treated with freshwater in the Yellow River Delta, China

Supplying freshwater is one of the important methods to help restore degraded wetlands. Changes in soil properties and plant community biomass were evaluated by comparing sites with freshwater treatment versus reference sites following freshwater addition to wetlands of the Yellow River Delta for 7 years. The results indicated that soil organic carbon (SOC) was significantly increased in all wetland sites that were treated with freshwater compared to the reference sites. The treatment wetlands had greater total nitrogen (TN), lower pH and electrical conductivity and higher water content in the soil compared to the reference wetlands. In general, the upper soil layer (0-20 cm) had greater SOC than the lower soil layer (20-40 cm). The increase of SOC in the freshwater reintroduction wetlands was higher in the Suaeda salsa plant community (mean ± standard error) (6.89 ± 0.63 g/kg) and Phragmites communis plant community (4.11 ± 0.12 g/kg) than in the Tamarix chinensis plant community (1.40 ± 0.31 g/kg) in the upper soil layer. The differences were especially marked between the treated and reference wetlands for SOC and TN in the P. communis plant communities. The C:N ratio of the soil was significantly greater in the treated compared to the reference wetlands for the S. salsa plant community. Although the C: N ratios increased after treatment, they were all <25 suggesting that N availability was not limiting soil organic matter decomposition. Our results indicate that freshwater addition and the concomitant increase in soil moisture content enhances the accumulation of SOC in the Yellow River Delta.     

Impact of Coal Ash from Electric Power Production on Changes in Water Quality1

ABSTRACT: Since 1972 the use of coal in the U.S. has increased much more rapidly than predicted, with much of this increased use by electric power generating plants. Residue after combustion consists primarily of inorganic materials, with the majority of chemical elements concentrated in fly ash as is sulfate. The concentration of sulfate in this ash fraction most affects the chemical and physical state of other elements when fly ash comes in contact with water by lowering the pH. In a properly constructed and operated ash settling basin, however, major water quality parameters of effluent may be improved as compared to source water. It is necessary, however, to consider the solubility or deposition in sediment of potentially toxic chemical elements from fly ash as these may affect reuse of this water, or as they may impact other parts of the aquatic environment.     

Chemical and carbon-13 cross-polarization magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance characterization of logyard fines from British Columbia

Phasing out beehive burners and rising costs for landfilling have increased the need to widen options for utilization of the smaller size fractions of woody wastes generated during log handling and sawmilling in British Columbia. We characterized several size classes of logyard fines up to 16 mm sampled from coastal and interior operations. Total C, total N, ash, and condensed tannin concentrations were consistent with properties derived largely from wood, with varying proportions of bark and mixing with mineral soil. Especially for < 3-mm fractions, the latter resulted in high ash contents that would make them unsuitable for fuel. Solid-state 13C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning (CPMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were consistent with the chemical data, with high O-alkyl intensity and similarity to naturally occurring woody forest floor; no samples were high in aromatic or phenolic C. Aqueous extracts of two < 16-mm fines, which accounted for only a small proportion of the total C, were enriched in alkyl C and had low or undetectable tannins. Application to forest sites might cause short-term immobilization of N, but also might include possible longer-term benefits from reduction of N loss after harvesting and restoration of soil organic matter in degraded sites.     

Chemical analysis of soil and leachate from experimental wetland mesocosms lined with coal combustion products

Small-scale (1 m2) wetland mesocosm experiments were conducted over two consecutive growing seasons to investigate the effects on soil and leachate chemistry of using a recycled coal combustion product as a liner. The coal combustion product used as a liner consisted of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products and fly ash. This paper provides the chemical characteristics of mesocosm soil and leachate after 2 yr of experimentation. Arsenic, Ca, and pH were higher in FGD-lined mesocosm surface soil relative to unlined mesocosms. Aluminum was higher in the soils of unlined mesocosms relative to FGD-lined mesocosms. No significant difference of potentially phytotoxic B was observed between lined and unlined mesocosms in the soil. Higher pH, conductivity, and concentrations of Al, B, Ca, K, and S (SO4-S) were observed in leachate from lined mesocosms compared with unlined controls while Fe, Mg, and Mn were higher in leachate from unlined mesocosms. Concentrations of most elements analyzed in the leachate were below national primary and secondary drinking water standards after 2 yr of experimentation. Initially high pH and soluble salt concentrations measured in the leachate from the lined mesocosms may indicate the reason for early effects noted on the development of wetland vegetation in the mesocosms.     

垃圾焚烧飞灰处置与资源化利用研究进展

随着生活垃圾焚烧处理方式的不断推广,焚烧飞灰的产生量也不断增加。按照我国固体废物分类方法,焚烧飞灰属于危险废物,必须进一步处置才能进入填埋场或资源化利用。本文分析了飞灰物理化学特性,论述了常规处置技术（水泥固化、化学药剂稳定化、酸溶剂提取和熔融固化等）存在的问题。将原始飞灰直接应用于水泥、混凝土或路基材料,飞灰中高含量的重金属和盐类会产生新的环境问题。飞灰水洗可以高效去除其中的可溶性盐类,水洗飞灰在焙烧后重金属的浸出浓度远低于原始飞灰烧结后的相应浓度,飞灰水洗-焙烧技术具有很好的应用前景。     

Investigation of the uptake ability of fly ashes produced after lignite combustion

Fly ash samples from the five steam electric power stations of the Lignite Center of Western Macedonia were used in this study. They consisted mainly of anhydrite, lime, quartz and amorphous material as well as feldspars, calcite, micas + clays, portlandite and gehlenite which were all present in minor amounts. Anhydrite, lime and portlandite in the fly ash samples diminished upon treatment with ammonium acetate aqueous solution, whereas quartz, feldspars, gehlenite and amorphous material were enriched. The uptake ability of the fly ash samples ranged from 89 to 101 mequ./100g. The uptake ability of the samples was mainly attributed to the amorphous material and the microporous minerals, micas + clays. The amorphous material content was estimated at between 17 and 20 wt% in the treated fly ashes and may be unburned organic matter and amorphous inorganic material that resulted during the combustion of the lignite. A positive correlation was observed between the uptake ability and the total percentage of amorphous material and micas + clays. The relatively high uptake ability of the fly ash samples could lead to additional industrial and environmental uses of the fly ashes. The environmental advantage of fly ash exploitation will be particularly important for large electric power centers, such as the LCWM.     

Management of Fly Ash Through Vermicomposting: A Rational Approach

Fly ash is a by‐product of coal combustion in thermal power plants. Its generation poses several environmental problems, the most important ones being its capacity for causing pollution and the need for large storage areas to keep it out of the environment. Fly ash management remains a major concern in the 21st century; however, despite these challenges, the material has great potential for beneficial use in agriculture due to its efficacy in modifying and improving soil health and improving crop performance. Vermicomposting is an excellent technique for reducing the toxic heavy metals in fly ash through the introduction of earthworms. The activities of several earthworm species minimize the solubility of heavy metals and increase the bioavailability of major nutrient elements such as phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N). This article provides a comprehensive review of the scope and benefits of vermiremediating fly ash, demonstrating the abilities of different species of earthworms to accumulate heavy metals and increase the availability of plant nutrients. On the basis of a literature survey, the authors have concluded that adopting vermicomposting technology promises increased, effective fly ash utilization for agricultural benefits.