Reduction of Leaching Impacts by Applying Biomass Bottom Ash and Recycled Mixed Aggregates in Structural Layers of Roads

Abstract

This research is focused on analyzing the environmental pollution potential of biomass bottom ashes as individual materials, as mixtures manufactured with biomass bottom ashes and granular construction aggregates, and these mixtures treated with cement. For the environmental assessment of all of the samples and materials mentioned, the following leaching procedures have been performed: the compliance batch test of UNE-EN 12457-3:2003 for aggregates and bottom ashes; the column test according to NEN 7343:1994 for the mixtures prepared in the laboratory; and the tank test by EA NEN 7375:2004 for analyzing the behavior of mixtures after their solidification/stabilization with 5% cement. After the discussion of the data, the reduction of the pollution load of the most hazardous biomass bottom ashes after their combination with different aggregates can be confirmed, which implies their possible application in civil infrastructures, such as filler embankments and road construction layers, without negatively impacting the environment. In addition, the positive effect of the stabilization/solidification of the cement-treated mixtures with a reduction of the heavy metals that were released at the highest levels, namely As, Hg Cr, Ni, Cu, Se and Mo, was proven