Disposal of fly ash—an environmental problem

This report intends to summarize impacts of fly‐ash disposal on soil‐water environment with special reference to the behaviour of trace elements. Physico‐chemical properties of fly‐ash and trace elements release in environment are dependent on the geological origin of coal, form of the element in coal, combustion products, type of coal burning process, nature of emission control devices, methods of disposal and climatic conditions. Physical and biological transport of trace element, their bioaccumulation, transformation as well as interaction with ecosystem are discussed in terms of their importance in availability, mobility, persistence and ultimate toxicity. Needed research in the areas is identified.