Potential use of coal ash as growing media: Effect on the plant’s growth and future estimation for land reclamation

Coal ash, such as fly ash (FA) and bottom (BA) is mostly generated from a Coal-fired Steam Power Generation (PLTU) process. An increase in the number of PLTUs Indonesia proportional to high volume FA BA generated, causing adverse environmental impacts if not properly treated. Various studies have highlighted potential valorization BA, including building materials, cement ingredients, concrete, growing media. This study aimed evaluate use media explore future application for reclamation heavy-metal-contaminated (or ex-mining) land. The results showed that composting with blackwater sludge (BWS) rice straw (RS) produced compost complied targeted standard. addition FA, composted impact growth Zn adsorption ability dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott). However, has superior performance general estimation combined domestic waste (blackwater greywater) ex-mining land proposed. By integrating phytoremediation plants biorefinery approach, proposed may provide sustainable pathway heavy metal-contaminated or reclamation. Thus, transforming component could reduce risk metals distribution into food chain surrounding environment.