FLY ASH

WHY IN NEWS?

Two people were reported dead and four went missing following a dyke breach at Reliance plant in Singrauli.

ABOUT FLY-ASH

• Fly-ash is the end product of combustion during the process of power generation in the coal based thermal power plants.
• It can be utilized in manufacturing of Portland Cement, bricks,tiles manufacturing, road embankment construction and low-lying area development, etc.
• Fly ash may contain heavy metals from coal, a large amount of PM 2.5 and black carbon (BC).
• Fly ash is a major source of PM 2.5 in summer. It becomes air borne and gets transported to a radius of 10 to 20 kms.
• It can settle on water and other surfaces.
• At present, 63% of the fly ash is being utilised and target is for 100% utilisation of the fly ash.
• There is a need to prevent the ash from coming to the power plant by washing the coal at its place of origin. The government should also come out with a policy to encourage fly ash use in cement plant.
• The current mishap was caused by the breach of ash dyke at the coal-based plan, that caused ash slurry to flow a long distance.

Prelims Question

Q. Which of the following statements regarding fly-ash is incorrect?

a) It may contain heavy metals which may be toxic to living creatures.

b) It can be utilized in manufacturing of Portland Cement and bricks.

c) It may contain particulate matter that may be cause air pollution.

d) None of the above

Answer to the Prelims Question