Ultrasound and shacking-assisted water-leaching of anions and cations from fly ash

Abstract

Two mechanical extraction techniques were used for the extraction of environmentaly interesting elements from coal fly ash: shaking, in which the extraction process lasted from 6 to 24 hours, and ultrasonic sonication during 15 to 60 minutes, with water as extractant. The concentration of anions in fly ash extracts were determined by ion chromatography, while atomic absorption spectrometry was used for determination of: As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Al. The ultrasonic sonication yielded slightly higher amounts of extracted anions and Pb, Al, Mn and Fe, while shaking-assisted extraction was more efficient for the Cr, As, Zn and Ni ions. The changes in pH value, particle size distribution in colloid, zeta potential and conductivity during ultrasound-assisted extraction were measured in order to explain changes on the surface of fly ash particles in contact with water and different processes (adsorption, ion exchange, flocculation) that occur in environmental conditions. Principal Component Analysis were used for assessing the effect of observed process parameters. Essential from a practical point of view is a quantitative evaluation of these elements leachable from coal fly ash to surface waters in environmental conditions and contamination of the environment.