Ecological Reconstruction of Fly Ash and Slag Landfills in Order to Achieve Ecological Coherence between Degraded Ecosystems and Natura 2000 Sites

Nona Ardeleanu, Gabriel Lazar

Department of Mechanical and Environmental Engineering,“Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, 157 Marasesti Street, 600115, Bacau, Romania.

Abstract:

Purpose. Main purpose is remediation of Bacau slag and fly ash landfill located in an ecologically sensitive area nearby Natura 2000 sites.

Research question is what kind of habitat restoration measures at the landfill site to improve the habitat quality of the area in order  to improve overall connectivity between the Natura 2000 designated sites.

Methods. Heavy metals were determined in fly ash and slag using SRISO 11047-99 method. Soil samples were taken from three deep: 0-5 cm, 15-20 cm and 30-35cm from surrounding area. Heavy metals were doused with total forms atomic absorption spectrometry method. By multichannel gamma spectrometry were determined radionuclide’s content of coal and its by-products.

Result. The values for heavy metals content obtained from soil sampled area compared with analysis of fly ash are higher than normal, but below the alert threshold for less sensitive soils (Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb). Assessment of the natural radionuclide concentrations in both the coal and the waste resulting from combustion within the limits of the literature cited is somewhat higher than the soil in the area.

Conclusions. Bacau slag and fly ash landfill’s location between two Natura 2000 sites, on the Carpathian migratory corridor leads to necessity to be apply habitat restoration measures at the landfill site in order to improve the habitat quality of the area, thus favoring the presence of protected bird species, and at the same time to improve overall connectivity between the Natura 2000 designated sites.

Keywords: coal, fly ash, Natura 2000, green infrastructure

Pages: 493 – 500 | Full PDF Paper