Bottom Ash Production, Utilization, Disposal, and Its Impact on the Environment: A Review of State-of-the-Art

Bottom ash is generated from thermal power plants as a byproduct. Due to its weight, ash settles down near the hopper. They have been used in various construction technologies to solve disposal concerns. They are light and granular so that they can provide free draining. Also, they have interlocking nanostructures that can be used for different functions. Paper targets a critical review of the utilization of bottom ash as an absorbent, aggregate, geopolymer mortar, noise barrier, capping layer on landfill sites, structural fills, embankment construction, granular base, and sub-base. They may be either used in raw form or modified for advanced applications. Also, their physical and chemical properties, production, and problems associated with their disposal are mentioned. Its physical and chemical properties help in utilization for various other applications. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) determines the leachability of the heavy metals. The study helps to suggest the solution and its need in various engineering applications, its production, disposal, and how it affects the environment.