Evaluation of environmental pollution and possible management options of heavy oil fly ash

Due to the presence of toxic metals, dumping of heavy oil fly ash (HOFA) is causing ever-growing environmental problem including the pollution of air, water and soil. The present study investigates the possible environmental impacts associated with the land disposal of HOFA generated in the power plant. Different modeling and laboratory analysis were integrated to address the real environmental problems. Leaching behavior of heavy metals within the HOFA were investigated by laboratory batch leaching tests, which confirmed that most of the toxic elements in the HOFA can easily leach into the environment with rain water. The level of atmospheric dust surrounding a HOFA dumping site was predicted using the Industrial Source Complex (ISC3) air dispersion model, and the results indicated that the dumping of HOFA could be a potential hazard for local air quality. The study also revealed different reuse options of HOFA. The characteristic analysis confirmed HOFA can be used as a natural adsorbent to remove pollutants from wastewater or as soil stabilizing material by blending with cement.