Knowledge Bank

Fly ash created in the generation of energy contains mercury. Currently, the most accepted use for fly ash is as an inexpensive alternative to Portland cement in concrete mixtures. Because of new mercury-air standards, determining the affect of mercury within concrete structures is important. Analyzing the make-up of the fly ash, then, is used in this research concept to gain an understanding of the impact of the chemical make-up of fly ash on a concrete structure. Pinpointing the fly ash - concrete interaction and synthesizing the characteristics demonstrated in a concrete containing fly ash ultimately leads to a perception of the release of mercury from these materials in their final state. Leachate tests were preformed to simulate the release of mercury from fly ash samples in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills and Construction Landfills. The results of these analyses led to the determination of the limited short and long-term release of mercury from the samples and these conclusions lead to a basic understanding of the impact fly ash sample release of mercury can have on concrete structures. Advisor: Harold Walker