Distribution of PAHs in coal ashes from the thermal power plant and fluidized bed combustion system; estimation of environmental risk of ash disposal

The comparison of fly ash generated from lignite combustion in a thermal power plant Kolubara A (Veliki Crljeni) and bottom and fly ash from coal waste combustion in a semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler (Vinča) was performed as the function of particle size. The average total concentrations of the 16 EPA priority PAHs in ash fractions are 0.49 mg kg−1 of ash (thermal power plant) and 17.48 mg kg−1 of ash (fluidized bed boiler). The sum of 3- and 4-ring PAHs accounts for more than 93% of overall PAHs concentration, and the most abundant among them is fluoranthene. The portions of PAHs groups defined based on their physico-chemical properties, as obtained from quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models included in the Vega platform, were determined. These portions, emission factors, and benzo[a]pyrene equivalence concentrations were further on used to estimate the potential environmental impact of ash disposal. The PAHs emission factors are higher compared to values in the air pollutant emission inventory guidebook of the cooperative program for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP/EEA). The overall emission factors of 16 PAHs for combustion of lignite and coal waste are determined to be 0.15 and 249.97 mg kg−1 of fuel, respectively. Based on the ratios of benzo[a]pyrene equivalence concentrations of each ash and correspondent fuel, the disposal of fly ash from the cyclone of fluidized bed boiler represents the highest risk to the environment among tested ashes. [Display omitted] •Coal ashes from the fluidized bed and thermal power plant differ in PAHs content.•3- and 4-ring PAHs accounts for more than 93% of ∑PAHs; Fla is the most abundant.•Environmental risks of coal and coal waste ashes from the same basin are estimated.•BaPeq of CFB above the safe limit implicates the highest environmental risk.•Emission factors of PAHs in FBB are much higher than in TPP. Environmental risk of PAHs in ashes generated by the combustion of coal in a thermal power plant and coal waste from the same basin in a semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler is estimated.