Scientists are researching the sustainable use of fly ash for water treatment

Scientists are researching the sustainable use of fly ash for water treatment

by Erica Marchand

Paris, France (SPX), December 3, 2024

The global challenge of managing nearly a billion tonnes of ash waste annually could become an opportunity for sustainability, according to researchers at the University of Sharjah. Their new study, published in Separation and Purification Technology, describes how fly ash, a hazardous byproduct of the combustion of various waste materials, can be reused for water treatment applications.

Fly ash, often loaded with toxic chemicals, pollutants and soluble metal oxides, poses a significant threat to the environment, causing damage to soil, water and air. “Transportation across continents is increasing and rapid industrialization continues to increase energy consumption. Unfortunately, this has led to environmental concerns as waste fly ash is disposed of at worrying levels – up to 1 billion tonnes per year,” the study authors wrote.

Her literature review examines the potential of fly ash as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable material to combat global water scarcity. With over a billion people lacking access to fresh water, the need for innovative and affordable water treatment solutions is urgent. In this context, the authors emphasize the potential of fly ash and highlight its ability to replace conventional materials used in water purification processes.

The study draws on research published between 2015 and 2023 that focuses on advances in the use of fly ash in water treatment. “Among these materials, fly ash stands out as making a remarkable contribution to this field. Fly ash consists of fine particles emitted from the boiler with flue gases during the combustion of coal, wood, rice husks, bagasse or other combustible materials,” the authors noted.

A key finding is that fly ash can be converted into low-cost, high-performance ceramic membranes for wastewater treatment. These membranes feature durability, hydrophilicity and high permeability and offer efficient solutions for industrial applications. Additionally, fly ash shows promise for photocatalysis, Fenton processes, and as support materials for membranes and electrodes, all of which are consistent with sustainable practices.

The study highlights regional contributions to global fly ash production, with coal combustion accounting for 46% in China, sugarcane bagasse in Brazil accounting for 41%, and notable contributions from the rice husk and pulp industries in India, the United States and Brazil. These statistics underscore the global scale of the problem and the potential impact of fly ash reuse.

Although significant progress has been made, the authors call for further research to fill knowledge gaps and expand the practical applications of fly ash in water treatment. “Closing these gaps will contribute to the practical application of fly ash materials and pave the way for a more sustainable and effective approach to water treatment,” they concluded.

Research Report: Fly Ash as a Cost-Effective Material for Water Treatment Applications: A State-of-the-Art Review

Related links

University of Sharjah

Space Technology News – Applications and Research