Cd, Cr, Co, Pb, and Cu metals in surface and groundwater adjacent to a thermal power plant in eastern India

In this investigation, metals of environmental concern, Cd, Cr, Co, Pb and Cu, are identified in the feed coal of thermal power plant from eastern India. The concentrations (0.56–10.3 µg/g) of these metals are enriched (one- to twofold) in fly and bottom ash during combustion. Additionally, a noticeable presence of Cd, Cr, Co, Pb, and Cu was also observed on the surface (0.26–5.6 µg/l) and groundwater (0.12–2.65 µg/l) of the neighbouring power plant, which focuses on the contribution of combustion ashes in the water contamination of these elements. The analytical result shows that rainwater has a greater influence on the rapid transportation of these elements into the surface water than groundwater. The mobility of such metals of environmental concern from the combustion ashes into the surface and groundwater may pose a risk to the ecosystem. A regular monitoring of chemical quality of coal as well as expert dumping custom, chemical treatment before disposal and recycling of combustion residues are the essential steps for clean energy generation and safe environment.