An Analysis of Nanoparticles Derived from Coal Fly Ash Incorporated into Concrete

Alcindo Neckel, Diana Pinto, Bashir Adelodun and Guilherme L. Dotto
Additional contact information
Alcindo Neckel: Faculdade Meridional, IMED, 304, Passo Fundo 99070-220, Brazil
Diana Pinto: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55–66, Barranquilla 50366, Colombia
Bashir Adelodun: Department of Agricultural and Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
Guilherme L. Dotto: Chemical Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, UFSM, 1000, Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-11

Abstract: The environmental benefits of incorporating coal fly ash (CFA) into the concrete manufacturing process as a partial substitute for Portland cement are well known. What is less studied is the potential release of CFA derived nanomineral and amorphous nanoparticles during this process of incorporation. A thorough understanding of this makes it possible to understand the risks of exposure to particulates that are harmful to human health when CFA is mixed into concrete. The general objective of this study is to analyze airborne particulates released when CFA is mixed into concrete at the point of manufacture, focusing on the levels of nanominerals, amorphous nanoparticles and hazardous elements (HEs) contained within that are considered harmful to human health. These airborne particulates can be easily inhaled by plant workers in the absence of personal protective equipment. The authors analyzed samples of ash itself and collected actual airborne particulates using self-made passive samplers installed at the manufacturing plant. Regarding the ash analyzed, iron (Fe) was found in large amounts in relation to calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si). The transport, disposal and application of CFA in civil construction projects can provide an increased efficiency and reduce overall costs associated with the production of concrete. However, CFA poses a threat to human health due to the significant amount of HEs, nanominerals, and amorphous nanoparticles found to be released into the environment at the manufacturing plant.

Keywords: coal fly ash; Al–Ca–Fe–Mg–Si spheres; mineralogy; complex structure; future projects (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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