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<p>Coal-based thermal power plants are significant contributors to soil and groundwater pollution due to the generation and disposal of coal combustion residues such as fly ash. The present study investigates groundwater and soil quality in the vicinity of the Udupi Thermal Power Plant (UTPP), Karnataka, India, with a focus on potentially toxic elements (Pb, Cu, Cd, and Ni), evaluates soil physical properties (grain size distribution, moisture content, and Atterberg limits), and assesses the effectiveness of fly ash–compost amendments for soil stabilization and plant growth improvement. Groundwater and soil samples were collected within a 10 km radial zone around the plant during the October 2018 (Monsoon), and March 2019 (summer) and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and trace metals using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Groundwater exhibited slightly acidic pH (4.54–6.22) and lead (Pb) marginally exceeded the acceptable limit (0.01 mg/L) at certain locations, indicating localized contamination influenced by fly ash leaching. Soil physical characterization revealed predominantly well-graded silty clay soils, which govern moisture retention and metal mobility. Chemical analysis showed increasing metal concentrations with higher fly ash proportions, confirming fly ash as a source of trace metals, while also demonstrating its liming effect on acidic soils. The combined application of fly ash and vermicompost significantly reduced metal bioavailability, improved soil pH towards neutral to alkaline conditions, and enhanced biological performance. Plant growth experiments using ragi (Eleusine coracana) showed improved shoot and root development, with 5% fly ash + 15% vermicompost and 2.5% fly ash + 17.5% vermicompost exhibiting the best overall performance. The study concludes that although groundwater and soils around UTPP largely comply with regulatory standards, continuous monitoring is essential, and the integrated reuse of fly ash with compost represents a sustainable, low-cost soil amendment strategy supporting environmental protection and resource recovery.</p>

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Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil and groundwater near a coal based thermal power plant and evaluation of fly ash and vermicompost as sustainable soil amendments for plant growth

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月25日

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  • Daggupati Sridhar,
  • Koppala Siva,
  • Are Vigneshwari

摘要

Coal-based thermal power plants are significant contributors to soil and groundwater pollution due to the generation and disposal of coal combustion residues such as fly ash. The present study investigates groundwater and soil quality in the vicinity of the Udupi Thermal Power Plant (UTPP), Karnataka, India, with a focus on potentially toxic elements (Pb, Cu, Cd, and Ni), evaluates soil physical properties (grain size distribution, moisture content, and Atterberg limits), and assesses the effectiveness of fly ash–compost amendments for soil stabilization and plant growth improvement. Groundwater and soil samples were collected within a 10 km radial zone around the plant during the October 2018 (Monsoon), and March 2019 (summer) and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and trace metals using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Groundwater exhibited slightly acidic pH (4.54–6.22) and lead (Pb) marginally exceeded the acceptable limit (0.01 mg/L) at certain locations, indicating localized contamination influenced by fly ash leaching. Soil physical characterization revealed predominantly well-graded silty clay soils, which govern moisture retention and metal mobility. Chemical analysis showed increasing metal concentrations with higher fly ash proportions, confirming fly ash as a source of trace metals, while also demonstrating its liming effect on acidic soils. The combined application of fly ash and vermicompost significantly reduced metal bioavailability, improved soil pH towards neutral to alkaline conditions, and enhanced biological performance. Plant growth experiments using ragi (Eleusine coracana) showed improved shoot and root development, with 5% fly ash + 15% vermicompost and 2.5% fly ash + 17.5% vermicompost exhibiting the best overall performance. The study concludes that although groundwater and soils around UTPP largely comply with regulatory standards, continuous monitoring is essential, and the integrated reuse of fly ash with compost represents a sustainable, low-cost soil amendment strategy supporting environmental protection and resource recovery.