Sambalpur University to turn fly ash into fertiliser; 3 MoUs inked in Odisha

Fly ash pollution from industries has long troubled western Odisha. Now, a unique initiative aims to convert this hazardous waste into usable fertiliser, sources said on Monday.

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In a significant step in this regard, Sambalpur University has recently signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three partners to develop eco-friendly fertiliser from fly ash. Research is currently underway at the Jyoti Vihar campus.

Scientists are working to remove harmful metals such as lead and chromium from fly ash. Using a bacterial consortium, biochar, and compost, they plan to develop an organic product suitable for agricultural use.

The ambitious project is being led by Professor Pradeep Kumar Naik from the Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, with support from the Odisha State Pollution Control Board.

The three-year project involves eight students and will also receive technical support from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI).

Once developed, the fertiliser will undergo field trials to assess its effectiveness and impact on agriculture — offering hope for both waste management and sustainable farming.

“We are working together to develop a composite product by adding to it the consortium of bacteria, biochar, and compost. The composite product will be somewhat an optimised formation. In turn, when this is applied to fly ash, it will intake the heavy metals present in the fly ash. The remaining part of the ash can be used as fertiliser,” Professor Naik said to OTV when contacted.

Worth mentioning, fly ash—a fine byproduct of coal combustion—poses serious risks due to its content of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead, as well as silica particles that can cause respiratory issues such as silicosis. Environmental and health impacts range from water contamination to long-term illness.

Toxicity in the fly ash when released into farmlands also causes air and water pollution. This has been a growing menace all over the world.