Characterization of Mutagenic Coal Fly Ash and Extracts

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Abstract
Post-electrostatic precipitator (ESP) fly ash samples were collected from a coal-fired electric power generation plant under 3 modes of plant operation: normal operation, a low NOx-emission mode of combustion, and operation with the ESP shorted out. Results of chemical and physical characterization of the ashes were compared with bacterial [Salmonella typhimurium] mutagenicity bioassay to determine parameters or compounds correlating with bioactivity. The general physical properties, ultimate composition and trace elemental and radiochemical species determined did not correlate with the mutagenicity. Only the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons and chemically derivatizable polar organic compounds appeared to be associated with mutagenicity of the fly ash. [This study may have implications for human health/environmental effect.].