Heavy Metals in Coal Ash – A Brief Review of Global Trend

The development of heat power plant has been increasing steadily due to the global energy demand for industrialization. Coal ash, the main waste from power plant is, therefore, increasing during the continuous operation of power plant. The disposal of coal ash without a proper management has raised many environmental issues such as air, soil, and water pollution. One of the serious environmental problems regarding to coal ash is the mobilization of heavy metals containing in coal ash to surrounding environmental. This can cause various damages to the ecological system due to the toxicity of heavy metals. This paper aims to report the occurrence of heavy metals in coal ash and the current state of coal ash management in some countries. An overview on the global trend for coal ash management and subsequent utilization is also given briefly with the focus on removal or stabilization of heavy metals.