Seasonal variations of trace elements in dissolved and suspended loads for coal ash ponds and pond effluents

TLDR: In this paper, the concentrations of As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn as well as physico-chemical parameters were compared for multiple sites in the basin/creek system and a pond without ash inputs from autumn to late summer.

Abstract: Determinations were made of the concentrations of elements in solution and in suspended solids of a settling basin/creek system receiving bottom ash, cyclone ash, fly ash and electrostatic precipitator ash. The concentrations of As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn as well as physico-chemical parameters were compared for multiple sites in the basin/creek system and a pond without ash inputs from autumn to late summer. Comparison with published results obtained 6 to 7 yr earlier would show no significant change. Chemical speciation calculations indicate that most of the elements remain in the free hydrated or sulfate form throughout the study period. Copper and Fe exhibit some shifts in the concentrations of the hydroxy and carbonate complexes in responses to seasonal and biological factors.