Environmental Impacts of Fly Ash Generated from a Coal Fired Power Plant in Indian Sub-continent

Abstract

Coal has always been the backbone of any industrialized nation as it fulfills the energy requirement for all developmental activities. Coal occupies an important position in energy sector in India since India has vast reserves of thermal grade coal. Combustion of coal to generate electricity produces large volumes of coal combustion residues (CCRs) particularly fly ash as Indian coals contain high ash. These fly ash dominated CCRs accumulates in on-site piles and ash ponds leading to serious environmental problems, particularly contamination of ground and surface waters due to leaching of trace elements. The present study deals with assessment of impacts of fly ash generated from a coal fired power plant located on eastern region of India. The results of the study show the presence of many trace elements in different layers of the soil. Soil samples from different layers were collected and tested for the presence of trace elements. The results of this study indicate that some of the trace elements from fly as permeated the soil horizon around the coal fired power plant. A great ongoing social challenge for the coal fired power plants in India is sustainable development and community acceptance of its role in society. The study shows that the problems of industry induced displacement and resettlement poses major risks to societal sustainability in India and this is accompanied by the resettlement effect, defined as the loss of physical and non-physical assets, including homes, communities, productive land, income-earning assets and sources, cultural sites, social structures, community relations, cultural identity and mutual help mechanisms. Other concerns are health impacts, addictions, economic disparity in the vicinity of the coal fired power plant.