Based upon these suggestions, a new study was conducted to evaluate three new blends of BA and CM namely B1(95:5%), B2(90:10%), and B3(80:20%). These blends were subjected to a constant head water table management using de-ionized water from 20-liter bottles. Samples from standing water (top) and leachate (bottom) were collected at weekly intervals to evaluate the effects of different blend ratios and time on the chemical and physical properties. A comparison of the standing water table and leachate constituents of blends with acidic BA was made.

Conclusions and Recommendations

1. Higher composted manure (CM) content in the raw blends (no de-ionized water added) resulted in significantly higher concentrations of TKN, P, K, and pH.
2. Generally, a higher CM content in a blend resulted in higher leachate concentrations of TS, total dissolved solids (TDS), COD, N, NO3-N, P, and K.
3. Concentrations of nearly all chemicals were lower in standing water (top) compared to those in leachate (bottom).
4. Leachate and standing water concentrations for all blends were below the USEPA drinking water standards for nitrate (NO3-N). In addition, concentrations of P were low in leachate and standing water. Therefore, all blends of this acidic BA and alkaline CM could possibly be considered for use as a soil amendment material.

Future Studies

Field plots will be used to look at the feasibility of using blends of bottom ash, manure and soil as a growth medium for coastal Bermudagrass. Plots will be subjected to simulated rain and runoff will be sampled for nutrients (N, P, and K) and trace metals during establishment and growth stages of Bermudagrass. Plot contents will be sampled at various depths at different intervals after a rainfall event and analyzed for nutrients and trace metals. Additionally, vegetation in the plots will be sampled for dry matter yield and trace metals. This project will provide information on alternative uses for animal residuals and coal combustion by-products. If environmentally safe, these blends could be used as a cover for stripped mine areas. The manure in blends will be a source of nutrients for establishing and growing coastal Bermudagrass on the medium (cover).




For more information on this project, please contact:

Saqib Mukhtar
Mukhtar@tamu.edu
979-458-1019
303-B Scoates Hall
2117, TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-2117
USA.

Ann Kenimer
a-kenimer@tamu.edu
979-845-3677
207-E Scoates Hall
2117, TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-2117
USA.

PHOTOS

Electrical generating facilities produce 100 million tons of ash
bottom ash
coal combustion
composted dairy manure
diameter acrylic columns
constant head water table management using de-ionized water
standing water
leachate (bottom)

 


Comments to Mukhtar@tamu.edu