Some aspects of characterisation, utilisation and environmental effects offly ash

A review on fly ash, an important but problematic waste material is present ed. The article deals with several aspects of the characterisation, extract ion of metal values leaching and associated environmental pollution problem s due to fly ash. Characterisation includes classification, physicochemical and mineralogical analysis, presence of organic carbon and the significanc e of cenospheres. Utilisation aspects are confined to extraction of metal v alues and discuss the elemental distribution in fly ash while also covering several aspects of leaching including the leaching of specific metals. Eff ect of fly ash on surroundings, including ground water pollution and associ ated problems during disposal, are considered while dealing with the enviro nmental aspects. Some remedial measures are also suggested. (C) 2001 Societ y of Chemical Industry.