Disposal of waste material is challenging in terms of environmental pollution, lack of space and impact on ecological balance. Beneficial use of waste material is not only a solution for pollution but also for conserving natural resources. The use of Flue Gas Desulphurization gypsum (FGD gypsum) as a replacement for natural gypsum is an ideal example. However, the use of FGD gypsum is of an environmental concern as it contains toxic metals such as Hg, As, Pb, Sr, Cd and Se. This study evaluates the metal leachability of FGD gypsum used in agricultural soil as an amendment in high application rates such as 100 tons/acre. Leaching Environmental Assessment Frame work (LEAF) methods are used to assess the metal leaching under different management scenarios including; constituents release as a function of pH and liquid: solid ratio, diffusion control release, and percolation control release. Natural gypsum is used as a control experiment and the differences in metal leaching between the use of natural and FGD gypsum under different conditions are compared and results will be reported.

Leachability of metals from FGD gypsum used in agricultural purpose

247th National Meeting (2014)

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