Zeitschrift für Umweltanalytische Chemie

Utilising Microorganisms\' Potential for Biometallurgical Valorization of Coal Fly Ash Waste

Abstract

Warpon Amubasi

Coal fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion and represents a significant waste stream that poses environmental and health challenges. The presence of valuable metals within coal fly ash, coupled with its disposal issues, has spurred research into innovative ways to extract and recover these metals. Biometallurgy, a biotechnological approach utilizing microorganisms, holds great promise for the sustainable valorization of coal fly ash waste. This article explores the potential of microorganisms in biometallurgical processes to recover valuable metals from coal fly ash, highlighting their environmental and economic benefits. Coal-fired power plants have been a crucial source of energy for decades, but they generate substantial amounts of waste, including coal fly ash. Coal fly ash is a fine particulate material that results from the combustion of coal. Its disposal has raised environmental concerns due to potential leaching of heavy metals and other contaminants into soil and water, as well as the risk of airborne dispersion.