Characterization of Fly Ash Generated from Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Issue 4 (2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ayanda, Olushola S.; Fatoki, Olalekan S.; Adekola, Folahan A.; Ximba, Bhekumusa J.
• Is Part Of: E-Journal of Chemistry. Volume 9:Issue 4(2012)
• Page Start: 1788
• Page End: 1795
• Publication Date: 2012
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/451801
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0973-4945

Abstract

Abstract : In this study, fly ash was obtained from Matla power station and the physicochemical properties investigated. The fly ash was characterized by x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Surface area, particle size, ash and carbon contents, pH, and point of zero charge were also measured. The results showed that the fly ash is alkaline and consists mainly of mullite (Al6 Si2 O13 ) and quartz (SiO2 ). Highly toxic metals As, Sb, Cd, Cr, and Pb as well as metals that are essential to health in trace amounts were also present. The storage and disposal of coal fly ash can thus lead to the release of leached metals into soils, surface and ground waters, find way into the ecological systems and then cause harmful effect to man and its environments.