Characterization of Ash-Basin Waters from a Risk-Based Perspective

摘要

The purpose of this investigation was to characterize waters in ash basins of coal-fired thermoelectric power plants and to identify constituents of concern from an environmental risk-based perspective. The investigation incorporated results from literature review and from laboratory analysis of ash-basin waters. General chemistry and concentrations of major and trace elements were investigated. Risk was assessed for aquatic life by a risk quotient approach using environmental exposure and toxic effects concentrations. The following constituents of concern in ash-basin waters were identified by the risk quotient method: aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, selenium, and zinc. In addition, pH was considered a constituent of concern because the observed pH range for ash-basin waters exceeded the range indicating reproductive impairment or mortality for sentinel species used for toxicity evaluation. The results of this investigation can be used to assess potential effects (reasonable potential analysis) for receiving system aquatic biotarnas a consequence of exposure to ash-basin effluent and applied to developing remediation strategies. The constituents of concern are readily treatable, and ash-basin waters can be potentially reused within a power plant or for other purposes (e.g., irrigation or stream flow augmentation).