Emission control for precursors causing acid rain(V): Improvement of acid soil with the bio-briquette combustion ash

The bio-briquette technique which mixes coal, biomass and sulfur fixation agent and bio-briquettes under 3—5 t/cm 2 line pressure has aroused people's attention in view of controlling the air pollution and the acid rain. In this paper, the physicochemical properties of bio-briquette and its ash were investigated. And the acid soil was improved by the bio-briquette combustion ash, which contained nutritive substances such as P, N, K and had the acid-neutralizing capacity(ANC). The pH, EC, effective nutrient elements(Ca, Mg, K, P and N), heavy metal elements(Al, Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn and Mn) and acid-neutralizing capacity change of ash-added soils within the range of 0—10%, were also studied. Specially, when 5% bio-briquette combustion ash was added to the tested soil, the content of the effective elements such as Ca, Mg and K rose by 100 times, 7 times and twice, respectively. The total nitrogen also increased by about twice. The results showed the oxyanions such as that of Al, Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn and Mn were not potentially dangerous, because they were about the same as the averages of them in Chinese soil. It is shown that the ANC became stronger, though the ANC hardly increases in the ash-added soil. On the basis of the evaluation indices, it is concluded that the best mixture ratio is to add 2.5%—8% of the bio-briquette combustion ash to the tested soil.

Stabilization of Expansive Soil by Lime and Fly Ash

An experimental program was undertaken to study the individual and admixed effects of lime and fly ash on the geotechnical characteristics of expansive soil.Lime and fly ash were added to the expansive soil at 4%-6% and 40%-50% by dry weight of soil,respectively.Testing specimens were determined and examined in chemical composition,grain size distribution,consistency limits,compaction,CBR,free swell and swell capacity.The effect of lime and fly ash addition on reducing the swelling potential of an expansive soil is presented.It is revealed that a change of expansive soil texture takes place when lime and fly ash are mixed with expansive soil.Plastic limit increases by mixing lime and liquid limit decreases by mixing fly ash,which decreases plasticity index.As the amount of lime and fly ash is increased,there are an apparent reduction in maximum dry density,free swell and swelling capacity under 50 kPa pressure,and a corresponding increase in the percentage of coarse particles,optimum moisture content and CBR value.Based on the results,it can be concluded that the expansive soil can be successfully stabilized by lime and fly ash.

Growth, Metabolism and Yield of Rice Cultivated in Soils Amended with Fly Ash and Cyanobacteria and Metal Loads in Plant Parts

Soil amendment with fly ash（FA） and combined supplementation with N_2-fixing cyanobacteria masses as biofertilizer were done in field experiments with rice. Amendments with FA levels, 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 and 10.0 kg/m2, caused increase in growth and yield of rice up to 8.0 kg/m2, monitored with several parameters. Pigment contents and enzyme activities of leaves were enhanced by FA, with the maximum level of FA at 10.0 kg/m2. Protein content of rice seeds was the highest in plants grown at FA level 4.0 kg/m2. Basic soil properties, p H value, percentage of silt, percentage of clay, water-holding capacity, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and organic carbon content increased due to the FA amendment. Parallel supplementation of FA amended plots with 1.0 kg/m2 N_2-fixing cyanobacteria mass caused further significant increments of the most soil properties, and rice growth and yield parameters. 1000-grain weight of rice plants grown at FA level 4.0 kg/m2 along with cyanobacteria supplementation was the maximum. Cyanobacteria supplementation caused increase of important basic properties of soil including the total N-content. Estimations of elemental content in soils and plant parts（root and seed） were done by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Accumulations of K, P, Fe and several plant micronutrients（Mn, Ni, Co, Zn and Cu） and toxic elements（Pb, Cr and Cd） increased in soils and plant parts as a function of the FA gradation, but Na content remained almost unchanged in soils and seeds. Supplementation of cyanobacteria had ameliorating effect on toxic metal contents of soils and plant parts. The FA level 4.0 kg/m2, with 1.0 kg/m2 cyanobacteria mass supplementation, could be taken ideal, since there would be recharging of the soil with essential micronutrients as well as toxic chemicals in comparative lesser proportions, and cyanobacteria mass would cause lessening toxic metal loads with usual N_2-fixation.

Characteristics of heavy metal accumulation on fly ash-and sewage sludge-amended calcific soil

Land disposal of fly ash(FA)and sewage sludge(SS)is a major problem due largely to their potentially harmful constituents.In this paper,a potting experiment was performed to evaluate the effects on the plant growth and to discuss in particular the potential hazard to soils and plants according to the characteristics of heavy metal accumulation and migration when FA and SS are used as the amendments of calcific soil in a limestone mining area. The results showed that the application of FA-SS mixture is capable of accelerating the growth of plants and improving the biomass production at either 1:1 or 1:2 FA-SS mixture:soil(w/w).The highest yields were obtained at 1:1(w/w)mixing ratio.When compared with the Element Background Values of Soils in China,the analysis on heavy metals indicated that the contents of Pb,Cr,Hg,Cd,As,Ni,Cu and Zn in the amended soils came up to the second-class environmental quality standards,only Hg and Cd showed significant accumulation.At the same time, though the metal concentrations in roots were higher than those for the control,the concentrations except Cu,Zn in shoots were lower.And all the heavy metal contents in the plants were substantially lower than the toxicity limits. The results indicated that the combined use of FA and SS at a rational rate of application should pose no danger to both soil and food chain based on the characteristics of the FS and SS,heavy metals and calcific soil.

Enhanced strength in novel nanocomposites prepared by reinforcing graphene in red soil and fly ash bricks

Low-dimensional nanomaterials such as graphene can be used as a reinforcing agent in building materials to enhance the strength and durability. Common building materials burnt red soil bricks and fly ash bricks were reinforced with various amounts of graphene, and the effect of graphene on the strength of these newly developed nanocomposites was studied. The fly ash brick nanocomposite samples were cured as per their standard curing time, and the burnt red soil brick nanocomposite samples were merely dried in the sun instead of being subjected to the traditional heat treatment for days to achieve sufficient strength. The water absorption ability of the fly ash bricks was also discussed. The compressive strength of all of the graphene-reinforced nanocomposite samples was tested, along with that of some standard (without graphene) composite samples with the same dimensions, to evaluate the effects of the addition of various amounts of graphene on the compressive strength of the bricks.

Influencing factors of compressive strength of solidified inshore saline soil using SH lime-ash

Through unconfined compressive strength test,influencing factors on compressive strength of solidified inshore saline soil with SH lime-ash,ratio of lime-ash(1-K),quantity of lime-ash,age,degree of compression and salt content were studied.The results show that because inshore saline soil has special engineering characteristic,more influencing factors must be considered compared with ordinary soil for the perfect effect of solidifying.

Influence of Fly Ash and Growth Regulator with Soil for Determination of Chlorophyll in <i>Arachis hypogaea</i>L.

The present investigation was conducted to find out the effect of varying levels of fly ash and growth hormones on the determination of chlorophylls. The experiments were conducted in pots during 2009-2010 with Arachis hypogaea L. (groundnut) grown with different levels of fly ash concentration, and soil was used (various combinations) at Guru ghasidas University, Bilaspur (CG.) India. In fresh leaf, chlorophylls content varies in the plain soil from 0.29 to 0.64 mg g-1, which is less for photosynthetic activities. Arachis hypogaea L. showed maximum germination percentage, increasing leaf area, enhancement of root & shoot length, whereas Fly ash, bio fertilizers with growth hormone showed minimum values in all parameters. Results showed that, for combination of A to E, the value of chlorophyll ranged from 0.270 mg g-1 to 0.395 mg g-1, and chlorophyll b ranged from 0.400 mg g-1 to 0.489 mg g-1, whereas fro total chloro- phyll ranged from 0.67 to 0.85 mg g-1. In the present work, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b & total chlorophyll content in fresh leaf, after 45 days, were recorded as 0.395 mg g-1, 0.489 mg g-1 and 0.851 mg g-1 while in 90 days were recorded as 10.38 mg g-1, 0.48 mg g-1 and 0.86 mg g-1 respectively, in less amount combination of fly ash, soil content with application of growth hormone.

Plasticity,strength,permeability and compressibility characteristics of black cotton soil stabilized with precipitated silica

The suitability of using precipitated silica(PS) from the burning of rice husk was investigated to improve the geotechnical engineering properties of a black cotton soil. A laboratory experimental program consisting of series of specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction, California bearing ratio(CBR), unconfined compression and consolidation tests was conducted on the untreated and PS treated soil samples. The application of PS to the soil significantly changed its properties by reducing its plasticity and making it more workable, improving its soaked strength, and increasing its permeability and the rate at which the soil gets consolidated. An optimal PS content of 50%, which provided the highest soaked strength, is recommended for the improvement of the subgrade characteristics of the BC soil for use as a pavement layer material.

Solubility of ion and trace metals from stabilized sewage sludge by fly ash and alkaline mine tailing

Stabilized sewage sludge （SS） by fly ash （FA） and alkaline mine tailing as artificial soil, to be applied on the ecological rehabilitation at mining junkyards, offers a potentially viable utilization of the industrial by-product, as well as solves the shortage of soil resource in the mine area. An incubation experiment with different ratios of SS and FA was conducted to evaluate the solubility of ions and trace elements from stabilized sewage sludge. Results showed that fly ash offset a decrease in pH value of sewage sludge. The pH of （C） treatment （FA：SS = 1：1） was stable and tended to neutrality. The SO4^2- and Cl^- concentrations of the solution in the mixture were significantly decreased in the stabilized sewage sludge by alkaline fly ash and mine tailing, compared to the single SS treatment. Stabilized sewage sludge by FA weakened the nitrification of total nitrogen from SS when the proportion of FA in the mixture was more than 50%. The Cr, Ni, and Cu concentrations in the solution were gradually decreased and achieved a stable level after 22 days, for all treatments over the duration of the incubation. Moreover stabilized sewage sludge by fly ash and/or mine tailing notably decreased the trace metal solubility. The final Cr, Cu, and Ni concentrations in the solution for all mixtures of treatments were lower than 2.5, 15, and 50 μg/L, respectively.

Response of the Thermal Conductivity as a Function of Water Content of a Burnt Mediterranean Loam Soil

The purpose of this research is to explore the variability on the soil thermal conductivity -?- after a prescribe fire, and to assess the effects of the ashes on the heat transfer once it’s were incorporated into the soil matrix. Sampling plot was located in the Montgrí Massif (NE of Spain). A set of 42 soil samples between surface and 5 cm depth was collected before and after the fire. To characterize the soil chemical and physical variables were analyzed. To determine the variability on the soil λ a dry-out curve per scenario (before and after fire) was determined. SoilRho ? method based on ASTM D-5334-08 which was validated by LabFerrer was used. Soil thermal conductivity has shown changes in their values. Indeed, in all moisture scenarios the values of soil λ decreased after soil was burnt. The critical point in the relationshipθ(λ) for the soil after fire which always was stronger than soil before to be burnt. Soil with “white” ashes showed a high thermal conductivity. An X-Ray diffractometry analysis allowed to clarify and to verify these results. To sum up, we could say that thermal conductivity presents changes when the scenario changes, i.e. before and after to be burnt. On the other hand, the volume of ashes incorporated on the soil increased the differences between no burnt and burnt soil, showing even some improvements on the heat transfer when water content started to govern the process.

木质素纤维-高钙粉煤灰复合改良膨胀土试验研究

为改进单一方法改良膨胀土存在的不足,选用木质素纤维和粉煤灰复合改良膨胀土,提升改良土强度和破坏韧性,抑制膨胀变形。分别开展了自由膨胀率、有荷膨胀率(50 kPa)、无侧限抗压强度试验、低应力直剪试验获得单掺粉煤灰时的最优掺量,再掺入木质素纤维进行力学强度试验、水稳试验和微观试验,以力学特性变化结合微观结构特征分析复合改良效果。结果表明:单掺粉煤灰能够抑制膨胀土的膨胀特性,提升改良土强度,最佳粉煤灰掺量为20%;加入木质素纤维进行复合改良能够进一步提升土体强度,增强破坏韧性,水稳性也大大增强,20%粉煤灰和1.0%木质素纤维复合改良效果最好;复合改良能够很好地改善孔隙分布,抑制土体裂缝延伸,增强土体密实度。

Effects of Agro-Ecological Practices on the Productivity of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) and Soil Fertility in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

This study consisted to evaluate the effects of ecological practices on the yield performance of the JEWEL of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). The study was conducted in a Sudano-Sahelian cropping system (Lantargou, eastern region of Burkina Faso). Agro-ecological practices consisted of the inputs of 3.20 t/ha of compost + 2.45 t/ha of wood ash (CO + WA);4.90 t/ha of wood ash (WA);6.40 t/ha of compost (CO) were compared to control with no inputs (T0). Each treatment was repeated four times. The crop management consisted of plowing, harrowing, raising of ridges with 40 cm height, burying of treatments, transplanting of cuttings, two weeding’s, and using of biopesticide called PIOL for crop protection. Composite soil samples per treatment were also collected at tuber harvest and analyzed to determine the effects of treatments on residual soil fertility. Results showed that the plant heights and diameters under the CO were significantly (P < 0.001) improved by 16% and 12% compared to T0. The WA treatment significantly increased the number of large tubers by 43% (P ≤ 0.01) compared to T0. Total tuber numbers, large tuber numbers and tuber yields of sweet potato under CO + WA were significantly (P < 0.001) and respectively improved by 27%, 50% and 31% compared to T0. All treatments increased soil organic matter, N, P and K contents, and reduced soil acidity compared with those obtained under T0. Soil K content was improved by 39% under CO + WA, and soil N content by 34% under WA compared to T0. Soil C/N ratio under CO + WA was reduced by 20% compared others treatments. But, the CO + WA treatment outperformed by improving residual soil N content by 38%, and the WA treatment by increasing soil K content by 50% compared to T0. In addition, soil pHH2O increased by 1.2 units under WA treatment compared to T0. As conclusion, the application of 6.4 t/ha of compost performed well to improve the vegetative growth of orange-fleshed sweet potato while the inputs of 3.2 t/ha of compost + 2.45 t/ha of wood ash were efficacy to significantly increase the tuber yields and improve the residual fertility of soil.

Using Sorghum Stalk as a Partial Replacement of Lime in the Stabilization of Red Clay Soil for Road Sub-Grade Construction

This research aimed at testing the viability of using Sorghum Stalk Ash (SSA) as a partial replacement of lime in the stabilization of red clay soils for road subgrade construction. Red clay soils have been identified as highly expansive soils, which are affected by both climatic conditions and loading patterns. The consideration of both traffic loading patterns and climatic effects on these soils has been taken into account. A penetration test of 2.5 mm has been used on both pure red soils and stabilized soils at 10% and 15% partial replacement of lime with SSA and showed an improvement in the CBR of stabilized red clay soils up to 11.6%. Again, the PI of stabilized soils at 15% partial replacement of lime reduced up to 11.2%. The results obtained on both CBR and PI of these red clay soils are within the recommended values for the effective subgrade required for laying both permanent and flexible pavements. As a result, a recommendation of making use of SSA to lower the quantities of lime and its costs used in the stabilization of highly expansive soils have been tested through this research. However, further research on a more percentage partial replacement of lime to improve the PI of these soils to below 10% while keeping the CBR levels within the road construction regulations is welcomed.

水泥-石灰和水泥-稻壳灰稳定土的力学性能和冻融耐久性研究

为研究水泥-石灰和水泥-稻壳灰对土体进行加固良的效果及掺量,利用水泥、石灰和稻壳灰分别以水泥∶石灰=1∶1和水泥∶稻壳灰=1∶1制备两种稳定掺料。按照掺入比分别0%、2.5%、5%、7.5%和10%制备稳定土试样,并通过力学试验以及冻融试验对两种稳定土的三轴力学特性以及抗冻融循环的性能进行研究。结果表明:随着围压、稳定掺料和龄期的增加,稳定土的强度逐渐增加;脆性也明显增强;稳定土在3~7 d的强度增长率明显大于7~28 d的强度增长率,且在相同条件下,水泥-石灰稳定土的强度大于水泥-稻壳灰稳定土的强度。冻融循环后质量损失率和超声波变化规律表明土样的冻融耐久性顺序为:水泥-稻壳灰稳定土>水泥-石灰稳定土>纯土。

碱激发低钙粉煤灰改良膨胀土的工程特性及微观机理

为了研究碱激发低钙粉煤灰对弱膨胀土改良的作用效果,通过膨胀性试验、无侧限抗压强度试验、环境扫描电镜试验及X射线衍射分析仪(X-ray diffraction,XRD)物相分析试验研究不同掺量的碱性激发剂NaOH对低钙粉煤灰膨胀土力学性能的影响,对土体微观结构及孔隙形成特征进行分析量化,并基于XRD试验分析土体中矿物成分变化特征,揭示碱激发粉煤灰与土体之间的作用机理。结果表明:碱性激发剂可以提升粉煤灰的活性,加快水化反应,可以加快早期强度发展和提高后期强度;随着碱激发剂的增加,粉煤灰改良膨胀土的无侧限抗压强度先增后降,10%掺量的NaOH为最佳掺量;土体中孔隙类型复杂,碱激发改良土微观发现产生的凝胶可以填充孔隙,且和土体相互黏结,减少孔隙。NaOH作为激发剂,可以有效改善粉煤灰的活性,并提高膨胀土的基本特性。

A Review on Stabilization of Expansive Soil Using Industrial Solid Wastes

In developing countries like India, Industrialization is rising rapidly, and also?a great paucity of land is there, the demand for exploitation of industrial?wastes?which coming from industries is increasing. From geotechnical perspective,?fly ash, granite and quarry waste, cement kiln dust, silica fume, rice husk etc.?are the waste materials?which?have effectual features requisites by an excellent soil stabilization admixture. Stabilization using solid wastes is one of the different?methods of treatment, to improve the engineering properties and make it?suitable for construction. This paper briefs about the recent trends in stabilization of expansive soil using industrial waste (granite and quarry waste, cement kiln?dust, silica fume, rice husk) as stabilizers for decreasing the environmental?hazards.

脱硫石膏与粉煤灰配施对碱化土壤改良及苜蓿生长的影响

【目的】筛选适宜新垦龟裂碱化土壤改良和苜蓿生长的脱硫石膏和粉煤灰配比。【方法】采用小区试验,试验设置CK(脱硫石膏0、粉煤灰0)、T1(脱硫石膏30 t/hm^(2)、粉煤灰15 t/hm^(2))、T2(脱硫石膏30 t/hm^(2)、粉煤灰30 t/hm^(2))、T3(脱硫石膏30 t/hm^(2)、粉煤灰45 t/hm^(2))、T4(脱硫石膏45 t/hm^(2)、粉煤灰15 t/hm^(2))、T5(脱硫石膏45 t/hm^(2)、粉煤灰30 t/hm^(2))、T6(脱硫石膏45 t/hm^(2)、粉煤灰45 t/hm^(2))共7个处理,研究脱硫石膏和粉煤灰配施对土壤pH值、碱化度和可溶性盐量及苜蓿生长影响。【结果】脱硫石膏和粉煤灰配施显著改善龟裂碱化土壤物理性质,与CK相比,T3处理土壤体积质量降低7.69%,土壤孔隙度和田间持水率分别提高9.69%和18.70%;脱硫石膏和粉煤灰配施对0~40 cm土层土壤化学性质改良效果较好,T4处理0~10、10~20 cm土层土壤pH值分别降低10.51%、11.66%,碱化度分别降低56.76%和50.27%;T4处理0~10、10~20、20~40 cm土层土壤可溶性盐量分别下降32.33%、52.55%、3.04%;T4、T1处理苜蓿增产效果较好,与CK相比,苜蓿鲜质量分别提高61.76%、43.21%,干物质量分别提高48.80%、30.72%;但脱硫石膏和粉煤灰配施量过大则会造成减产,T6处理苜蓿鲜质量和干物质量分别较CK降低19.69%、10.24%。【结论】脱硫石膏和粉煤灰配合施用能有效降低龟裂碱化土壤的体积质量、pH值、碱化度和可溶性盐量,提高土壤孔隙度、田间持水率,从而有利于苜蓿的生长和发育,其中45 t/hm^(2)脱硫石膏与15 t/hm^(2)粉煤灰为最优配比组合。

不同控草方式对花椒地杂草生长及土壤养分的影响

为明确花椒地不同控草方式对杂草生长的影响,在遵义市红花岗区花椒基地设置4种不同控草措施(处理),即:除草剂(T1)、鼠茅草(T2)、防草布(T3)、秸秆覆盖(T4),以自然生草作为对照(CK),对比分析不同控草方式对花椒地杂草种类、数量、生物量以及土壤肥力的影响,评估不同处理的控草效果。结果表明:花椒地共出现杂草种类26种,归属16个科;4个处理均对花椒地杂草起到了不同程度的抑制效果,其中T3效果最好,仅发现4种杂草,较CK减少10种,且杂草密度和生物量均为最低,株防效和生物量防效均超过了97%;T2次之,株防效和生物量防效在5月超过了60%,在7月超过了80%;T1与T4在后期效果差;4个处理中仅T4对土壤肥力有明显的提升效果,其他处理未产生显著影响。综合来看,防草布覆盖、间种鼠茅草2种控草方式可作为遵义地区花椒地的控草技术进行应用。

粉煤灰联合水泥原位固化软土现场试验研究

针对软土含水率高、承载能力低和粉煤灰资源利用化等工程难题,采用原位固化和强力搅拌工艺,进行粉煤灰联合水泥固化软土施工,开展了不同固化剂配比、处理深度和龄期下固化土轻型动力触探测试,并对数据进行系统分析。结果表明:加入1%粉煤灰能够有效降低水泥固化软土含水率,含水率降低幅度随水泥用量增加而增加;粉煤灰联合水泥原位固化对软土密度影响较小,但会限制固化土早期承载力的发展;固化土承载力随深度增加存在较大波动,增加处理深度有助于减小波动幅度;粉煤灰联合水泥使用将进一步提升水泥固化土对重金属及污染物稳定作用。尤其地,基于双线性插值算法提出固化配比量化方法,并引入变异系数建立原位固化评价指标,可为类似软土原位固化施工工程提供参考依据。

Assessment of the Radiological Impact on the Environment near a Storage Site of Coal Ashes in a Thermal Power Plant

The radiological impact of coal ashes, with enhanced natural radioactivity in the storage site, is due to the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides. Some of these radionuclides have a radioactive period of several million years and will, therefore, have time to migrate to the soil, atmospheric air, surface water, and groundwater. This impact depends mainly on the activity of these coal ashes, the duration of exposure to such waste, transfers to the air, and the leaching phenomenon by rainwater. In this study, and so as to assess the radiological impact of coal ashes of the storage site of the JLEC-Morocco thermal power plant on environment, some analyses are performed by alpha dosimetry and a digital dosimeter on samples of coal ashes, soil, atmospheric air, surface water and groundwater belonging to a perimeter of 10 km around that site. The obtained results show that, within the studied area, the radiological impact on the soil of the coal ashes of the storage site is insignificant even though the concentrations of radon in the near vicinity (1 to 2 km) are moderately important, and remain below 200 Bq/m3. In the atmospheric air, this impact remains medium for the neighborhoods of the storage site (2 to 3 km) with radon activities superior to 10 Bq/m3. These results also show that there may be a water contamination of wells located at the storage site without any transfer of radioactivity into the groundwater of the area studied where the concentrations of radon are less than 11.1 Bq/l.