Effect of Specified pH Conditions on Leaching of Environmentally Important Major and Trace Elements from Fly Ash-Marl Mixtures: A Case Study of the Lignite Center of W. Macedonia

Significant environmental issues concerning the risk of soil, surface, and groundwater pollution are indicated by the presence of dissolved elements in the leachates. In the Lignite Center of Western Macedonia, the current study investigates the leaching behavior of main and trace elements from fly ash-marl mixtures, focusing on the effect of pH conditions on environmental impacts. Five mixtures of fly ash-marl were prepared in different percentage ratios by weight, simulating the possible deposition conditions to investigate the leaching of their contents in specified pH conditions. Initial fly ash is enriched in CaO, SO3, P2O5, and MgO, exceeding continental crust average composition in U, Br, Sb, Ni, Cd, W, and Mo. In contrast, the original marl is enriched in CaO and Ni but depleted in other major elements. The pH significantly affects leaching, with high concentrations of Ca2+ both in fly ash and in mixtures with high concentrations of fly ash, particularly at pH 8. Significant leaching of Cr and Ni is observed, with Cr mainly from fly ash at pH 10–12 and Ni increasing in marl at pH 6. The findings highlight the significant role of fly ash in the environmental element release and the importance of effective management.