Value added utilization of fly ash- prospective and sustainable solutions

In India about 54.09 percent of electricity is generated from coal based thermal power plants. At present the total fly ash generation is about 131.09 million tonnes per annum and utilization rate is 73.13 million tonnes per annum. Considering backlog of un-utilized fly ash in India from 1996–97 to 2010–11, the total quantity of fly ash is about 922.95 million tonnes, which are lying dumped in fly ash ponds/lagoons. These un-used fly ashes will impose an adverse impact on environment and ecosystem. A suitable and sustainable solution for the utilization of fly ash is required to be done to minimize the threat to environment. The use of fly ash as adsorbent for various gaseous pollutants like SO_x, NO_x and various metals is reported by many researcher. The fly ash can be used for removal of Phosphate, Fluoride, Boron, Phenolic Compound, and Mercury. The use of fly ash in different sector like Forestry, Agriculture, Wetland reclamation etc. is required to be promoted by the government with other stake holder agencies.