Abstract
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•The physicochemical and leaching properties of FA and BA were presented.•BA and FA shown similar pozzolanic property, potential as alternative binder.•Heavy metals leaching of FA, BA and FA + BA were in permissible limits.•Pb is an indicator for existence of other heavy metals (i.e. Zn, Cu and As)
Coal ash (fly (FA) and bottom (BA) ashes) contain heavy metals. This research presents physicochemical and leaching properties of coal ashes (FA, BA and FA + BA) from a Malaysian power plant. The physicochemical (X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) and leaching properties (toxicity characteristic leaching (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching (SPLP) procedures) of ash samples were determined. Heavy metals like lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Leaching properties were found to complied to the standard guidelines for heavy metals. Further investigation on leaching properties is recommended for construction industry applications.