Physicochemical and Leaching Properties of Coal Ashes from Malaysian Coal Power Plant

Abstract Coal ash (fly (FA) and bottom (BA) ashes) contain heavy metals. This research presents physicochemical and leaching properties of coal ashes (FA, BA and FA + BA) from Malaysian power plant. The physicochemical (X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscope (SEM)) and leaching properties (toxicity characteristic leaching (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching (SPLP) procedures) of ash samples were conducted. Heavy metals like lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Leaching properties were complied to the standard guidelines for heavy metals. Further investigation on leaching properties is recommended for construction industries application.