Resource utilization of solid waste for the collaborative reduction of pollution and carbon emissions: Case study of fly ash

Coal consumption during thermal power generation produces massive amounts of fly ash, accounting for approximately 40% of total municipal solid waste. Fly-ash utilization can reduce solid waste pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and achieve economic benefits. Research on fly-ash resource utilization technology is extensive and detailed; however, studies on its management status and future planning are limited. This study investigates China's spatiotemporal law regulating thermal power plant fly ash. On-site investigations identified the primary metabolic pathways and spatial differences in fly-ash resource utilization. Three resource utilization pathways were selected for environmental impact analysis based on life cycle assessment. The results demonstrated the economic and environmental benefits of fly-ash resource utilization under different allocation situations. The results of this study provide essential data and evaluation support for top-level planning, enterprise layout, and government supervision of fly-ash resource utilization in the future. These results will also provide a reference for further work on bulky solid waste management.

Automated summary

Coal consumption in thermal power generation produces a significant amount of fly ash, accounting for about 40% of total municipal solid waste. Utilizing fly ash can reduce solid waste pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while also generating economic benefits. Although there have been extensive studies on fly ash resource utilization technology, research on its management status and future planning is limited. This study investigates China's regulations on fly ash from thermal power plants, identifying the primary metabolic pathways and spatial differences in fly ash resource utilization. Three resource utilization pathways were analyzed for their environmental impact using life cycle assessment. Results showed the economic and environmental benefits of fly ash resource utilization under different allocation situations. The findings of this study provide crucial data and evaluation support for future top-level planning, enterprise layout, and government supervision of fly ash resource utilization, as well as serving as a reference for further work on managing bulky solid waste.