Archived
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Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Start Date
6-5-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
6-5-2026 2:00 PM
Description
This project demonstrates a novel approach to utilize legacy coal ash waste ponds by processing the solids for use in cement/concrete and bioremediating the water fraction through algae cultivation. The algal biomass can then be used for animal feed, biofuels, or other valuable bio-products. There is an increasing demand for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials for concrete production, such as coal fly ash, yet a decreasing supply of ash as coal power plants are decommissioned in the transition to other energy sources. However, there are billions of tons of coal ash accumulated in legacy ash ponds across the US. These ponds, often unlined, pose serious risks to water quality and human health from the leaching of heavy metals. Targeting this problem, our research focuses on an innovative process for remediation and repurposing of coal ash. This research is a collaboration at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign between the Grainger College of Engineering (GCOE) and the Prairie Research Institute (PRI). Pavement experts from GCEO have developed a process to upgrade ponded coal ash for use in sustainable concrete. The team from PRI has shown that the liquid fraction of coal ash ponds can be bioremediated during algae cultivation and provides a valuable biomass resource. Results thus far show the properties of the beneficiated coal ash and the algal biomass would support commercial uses and provide important environmental benefits. This approach demonstrates an innovative waste management solution, and the project team is seeking input from relevant regulatory agencies and exploring opportunities for large-scale implementation.
Document Type
Presentation
Archival?
Archival
Included in
Energy Systems Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Mining Engineering Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Structural Materials Commons, Sustainability Commons
Improving economic and environmental outcomes of legacy coal ash ponds
Lexington, Kentucky
This project demonstrates a novel approach to utilize legacy coal ash waste ponds by processing the solids for use in cement/concrete and bioremediating the water fraction through algae cultivation. The algal biomass can then be used for animal feed, biofuels, or other valuable bio-products. There is an increasing demand for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials for concrete production, such as coal fly ash, yet a decreasing supply of ash as coal power plants are decommissioned in the transition to other energy sources. However, there are billions of tons of coal ash accumulated in legacy ash ponds across the US. These ponds, often unlined, pose serious risks to water quality and human health from the leaching of heavy metals. Targeting this problem, our research focuses on an innovative process for remediation and repurposing of coal ash. This research is a collaboration at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign between the Grainger College of Engineering (GCOE) and the Prairie Research Institute (PRI). Pavement experts from GCEO have developed a process to upgrade ponded coal ash for use in sustainable concrete. The team from PRI has shown that the liquid fraction of coal ash ponds can be bioremediated during algae cultivation and provides a valuable biomass resource. Results thus far show the properties of the beneficiated coal ash and the algal biomass would support commercial uses and provide important environmental benefits. This approach demonstrates an innovative waste management solution, and the project team is seeking input from relevant regulatory agencies and exploring opportunities for large-scale implementation.
