# BENEFICIAL REUSE OF FGD GYPSUM IN AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS November 11, 20091:00 – 1:10 Introductions , Agenda Review Bob Spoerri & Eric Schaeffer 1:10 - 1:20 What is FGD Gypsum? Dave Goss 1:20 - 1:40 FGD Gypsum impact on metals in soils and plants Dr. Malcolm Sumner 1:40 - 2:00 FGD Gypsum, Soil Erosion & Water Quality Dr. L. Darrell Norton 2:00 - 2:10 A Farmer’s Perspective on FGD Gypsum Jack Maloney 2:10 - 2:30 Use of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Dr. Warren Dick 2:30 - 2:50 Risk Assessment for use of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Dr. Rufus L. Chaney 2:50 - 3:05 Break 3:05 - 3:15 Market Factors Dave Goss 3:15 - 3:25 Implementing an FGD Gypsum agricultural program Bob Spoerri & Ron Chamberlain 3:25 - 3:55 Open Discussion John Andersen, Moderator 3:55 - 4:00 Next Steps and Close Bob Spoerri & Eric Schaeffer 

# Agenda

# FLUE GAS DESULFURIZATION (FGD GYPSUM) How it is produced and handled at the Power Plant 

# Dave C. GossBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Limestone Forced Oxidation ProcessBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Removing Dried Gypsum from Drying

Area using Earthmoving EquipmentBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Loading Trucks with Gypsum inside Covered Storage ShedBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Loading BargeBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# FGD Gypsum:
• Is calcium sulfate dihydrate – CaSO 4

# - 2H 2 

# 0
• Exhibits essentially the same chemical characteristics of mined ore gypsum

– White Sands National Monument contains 275 square miles of calcium sulfate dihydrate or gypsum in the form of sand particles
• Is ONLY produced from forced oxidation scrubber systems at power plantsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# FGD Gypsum is NOT:
• Coal ash or derived from coal in any manner
• Phosphogypsum ( from the manufacture of fertilizers from phosphate ore using sulfuric acid)
• Titano -gypsum (from the production of titanium oxide for paints)
• Citro -gypsum ( from the production of citric acid)

# EFFECT OF FLUE GAS DESULFURIZATION GYPSUM ON

METALS IN SOILS AND PLANTS Malcolm E. Sumner Regents’ Professor of Environmental Soil Science Emeritus University of Georgia Athens, GA malcolm296@charter.netBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Why Do We Apply Gypsum to Soils?

• To improve chemical and physical conditions

– Reclaim sodium affected (sodic) soils

– Increase yields on many soils

– Reduce runoff and erosion

– Reduce nitrogen volatilization

– Reduce phosphorus in runoffBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Examples of Yield Increases Crop # of sites Yield increase due to gypsum % Alfalfa 10 24 Bell pepper 1 49 Cantaloupe 2 32 Cotton 8 20 Cucumber 1 42 Oats 1 15 Peanuts 90 13 Sorghum 1 57 Soybean 1 51 Squash 2 39 Sugarcane 1 24 Tomatoes 12 25 Watermelon 4 51Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Outcome

• FGD gypsum

– Valuable resource for crop production

– Increases yields and quality of crops

– Highly economic soil amendmentBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# COMPARISON OF CONTAMINANTS IN VARIOUS GYPSUM MATERIALSBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

### Element Mined Gypsum FGD Gypsum # of samples Range Mean # of samples Range Mean mg/kg mg/kg As 20 nd - 2.53 0.84 30 nd - 6.93 2.06 Be 19 nd - 0.07 0.03 29 nd - 0.18 0.07 Cd 19 nd - 0.52 0.08 30 nd - 0.90 0.16 Cr 20 nd - 4.20 1.57 31 0.26 - 6.77 2.90 Co 12 0.01 - 4.39 1.37 27 0.17 - 1.38 0.55 Cu 20 nd - 8.20 1.42 31 0.23 - 3.71 1.42 Hg 20 0.02 - 0.07 0.02 28 0.05 - 1.12 0.30 Ni 20 nd - 10.96 2.65 31 nd - 14.60 3.56 Pb 20 0.28 - 21.6 3.39 31 0.07 - 9.00 1.21 Se 19 nd - 1.14 0.31 28 nd - 12.05 4.61 Te 15 nd - 0.43 0.04 16 nd - 1.40 0.09 Tl 17 nd - 0.51 0.10 26 nd - 0.13 0.04 Va 20 nd - 42.70 4.85 28 nd - 35.00 3.73 Zn 20 nd - 78.00 10.57 31 0.96 - 28.80 8.93 nd = not detectedBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Gypsum vs US - EPA 503 Pollutant Concentration Limits (PCL) (EPA3052) Element EPA 503 FGD gypsum* Mined gypsum** mg/kg As 41 2.06 0.84 Cd 39 0.16 0.08 Cr 1200 2.90 1.57 Cu 1500 1.42 1.42 Pb 300 1.21 3.39 Hg 17 0.30 0.02 Ni 420 3.56 2.65 Se 36 4.61 0.31 Zn 2800 9.83 10.57 * Mean of ~25 samples ** Mean of ~ 20 samplesBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Comparison of Phospho - and FGD Gypsum Pollutant Phosphogypsum (FL) FGD Gypsum* kg/ha (~lb/ac) As 2.5 2.06 Cd 4 0.16 Cu 9 1.42 Pb 15 1.21 Hg 0.35 0.30 Ni 10 3.56 Se 1.5 4.61

• *Mean of ~ 25 samplesBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Loading Limits for Biosolids & Maximum FGD Gypsum Application Rates Pollutant Annual pollutant loading rate for biosolids (503) Maximum annual application rate for FGD gypsum* kg/ha (~lb/ac) As 2.0 0.0206 Cd 1.9 0.0016 Cu 75 0.0142 Pb 15 0.0121 Hg 0.85 0.0030 Ni 21 0.0356 Se 5.0 0.0461 Zn 140 0.0983 * Assuming an application rate of 10 T/ha using mean element concentrationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Outcome



# • Elements of environmental concern

– As, Cr, Cd , Hg, Ni & Se slightly higher than in mined gypsum

– As, Cr, Cd , Hg, Se & Ni lower than in phosphogypsum

– All far below EPA 503 regulations for biosolids

– Annual loading limits for FGD gypsum far below those for biosolidsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Comparison of Saturated Solutions of FGD & Mined Gypsum



# • Gypsum solubility

– 2.2 g/L 

# • Gypsum dissolved in

– Distilled water 

# • Or

– Conc HNO 3 

# before dilutionBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Gypsum Vs Drinking Water Element MCL FGD Gypsum Mined gypsum Total* Water* Total Water : g/L As 10 5.3 1 1.3 0.15 Ba 2000 134 18.5 130 5.5 Be 4 0.2 0.04 0.05 0.05 Cd 5 0.12 0.12 0.5 0.06 Cr 100 6.4 3.5 4.4 1.1 Cu 1300 2.9 0.11 5 2.9 Pb 15 1 0.03 0.84 0.11 Hg 2 0.62 0.08 0.03 0.02 Se 50 22 9.1 0.52 0.32 Tl 2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 Zn 15 1.1 19.1 6.7 * 2.2 g gypsum/L

- Dissolved in conc HNO 3 or waterBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Outcome



# • Saturated solution of FGD gypsum

– Easily meets US Drinking Water Standard • For all elements of environmental concernBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Various Grains


# • Data of Arnold (1997) • Gypsum application rate

– 4.5 T FGD Gypsum/ac (10 T/ha) applied onceBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

### Element Treatment Soybean Corn Wheat # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg As Control 5 0.005 -0.005 0.00 2 0.005 -0.005 0.00 2 0.005 -0.006 0.01 Gypsum 5 0.005 -0.107 0.03 2 0.005 -0.009 0.01 2 0.005 -0.008 0.01 Cu Control 5 19.19 - 20.3 19.60 2 1.39 - 5.01 3.20 2 1.59 - 4.99 3.29 Gypsum 5 19.43 - 20.39 19.70 2 1.69 - 5.00 3.35 2 1.67 - 4.76 3.21 Mo Control 5 0.144 -0.443 0.22 2 0.145 -0.185 0.17 2 0.158 -0.43 0.29 Gypsum 5 0.146 -0.445 0.22 2 0.146 -0.187 0.17 2 0.335 -0.395 0.37 Ni Control 5 0.221 -0.377 0.26 2 0.34 -0.361 0.35 2 0.196 -0.367 0.28 Gypsum 5 0.221 -0.385 0.22 2 0.338 -0.361 0.35 2 0.207 -0.397 0.30 Pb Control 5 0.238 -0.404 0.30 2 0.241 -0.30 0.27 2 0.116 -0.129 0.12 Gypsum 5 0.238 -0.421 0.31 2 0.243 - .0298 0.27 2 0.119 -0.128 0.12 Se Control 5 0.049 -0.544 0.15 2 0.042 -0.087 0.06 2 0.040 -0.42 0.04 Gypsum 5 0.05 -0.549 0.15 2 0.064 -0.088 0.07 2 0.040 -0.046 0.04 Zn Control 5 40.25 - 45.84 43.04 2 10.52 - 17.14 13.83 2 12.29 - 20.01 16.15 Gypsum 5 40.29 - 46.21 42.96 2 10.5 - 15.69 13.10 2 10.26 - 20.46 15.36Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Cotton



# • Gypsum application rate

– 4.5 T FGD Gypsum/ac (10 T/ha) applied onceBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications Element Treatment Leaf Soil Seed # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg As Control 4 0.99 - 1.94 1.88 6 0.76 - 9.64 5.12 3 0.16 -0.33 0.24 Gypsum 4 0.75 - 2.41 1.73 6 0.78 - 8.47 4.91 3 0.16 -0.26 0.22 Cu Control 4 5.4 - 10.7 7.43 5 3.42 - 12.2 8.25 3 3.71 - 6.52 5.11 Gypsum 4 5.4 - 10.9 7.80 5 3.54 - 14.4 7.55 3 3.73- 6.86 5.23 Cd Control 4 0.10 -0.14 0.12 6 0.05 - 0.13 0.10 3 0.02 -0.07 0.04 Gypsum 4 0.11 - 0.23 0.16 6 0.05 -0.13 0.10 3 0.02 -0.06 0.04 Cr Control 4 2.00 - 7.24 5.02 6 2.30 - 14.8 9.96 3 0.08 - 1.94 1.18 Gypsum 4 2.40 - 25.9 9.77 6 2.65 - 16.2 9.29 3 0.17 - 1.91 1.22 Pb Control 4 0.20 -0.50 0.34 6 1.59 - 21.6 11.42 3 0.06 -0.66 0.28 Gypsum 4 0.20 - 0.50 0.31 6 1.44 - 14.1 9.64 3 0.02 - 1.05 0.38 Mn Control 4 87 - 155 129.00 6 115 - 1036 466.00 2 15.7 - 29.4 22.50 Gypsum 4 118 - 294 197.00 6 202 - 508 363.00 2 17.0 - 31.0 24.00 Hg Control 4 0.03 -0.11 0.08 6 0.03- 0.10 0.07 3 0.01 - 0.03 0.02 Gypsum 4 0.03 -0.10 0.08 6 0.03-0.10 0.07 3 0.00 -0.02 0.01 Mo Control 4 0.25 - 1.07 0.53 6 0.10 - 2.32 0.79 3 0.00 -0.15 0.06 Gypsum 4 0.21 -0.75 0.38 6 0.11 -0.78 0.47 3 0.00 - 0.16 0.07 Ni Control 4 0.80 - 2.57 1.83 6 1.05 - 3.96 2.71 3 0.50 -0.76 0.65 Gypsum 4 1.08 - 8.59 3.55 6 1.21 - 4.29 2.71 3 0.37 -0.80 0.45 Se Control 4 0.41 -0.74 0.60 6 0.15 - 1.21 0.46 3 0.05 -0.72 0.30 Gypsum 4 0.49 -0.72 0.64 6 0.15 - 1.38 0.52 3 0.05 - 1.09 0.43 Zn Control 4 28.9 - 53.0 39.50 6 2.13- 31.4 18.59 3 16.9 - 37.4 23.92 Gypsum 4 28.6 - 51.7 39.90 6 2.49 - 34.4 19.26 3 14.6 - 37.4 22.53Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Yellow Squash



# • Gypsum application rate

– 2T FDG Gypsum/ac (5 T/ha) applied annuallyBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications Element Treatment Leaf Soil Fruit # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg As Control 2 0.12 -0.53 0.33 2 1.47 - 3.25 2.36 2 0.34 -0.51 0.43 Gypsum 2 0.34 - 0.58 0.46 2 1.27 - 3.10 2.18 2 0.39 -0.40 0.40 Cu Control 2 6.84 - 17.7 12.27 2 4.71 - 13.2 8.95 2 7.97 - 17.4 12.68 Gypsum 2 6.94 - 13.4 10.17 2 4.83- 12.4 8.62 2 9.43- 11.6 10.51 Cd Control 2 0.25 -0.26 0.26 2 0.05 - 0.12 0.08 2 0.06 -0.07 0.07 Gypsum 2 0.34 -0.46 0.40 2 0.06 - 0.15 0.11 2 0.06 -0.07 0.07 Cr Control 2 1.38 - 4.39 2.88 2 8.38 - 8.52 8.45 2 5.52 - 9.09 7.31 Gypsum 2 1.92 - 4.18 3.05 2 6.70 - 76.2 41.45 2 1.68 - 4.11 2.90 Pb Control 2 0.24 - 0.42 0.33 2 7.15 - 11.0 9.07 2 0.13-0.14 0.14 Gypsum 2 0.18 - 0.45 0.32 2 7.28 - 26.6 16.95 2 0.07 -0.14 0.11 Mn Control 2 295 - 972 634.00 2 157 - 693 425.00 2 74.9 - 112 93.45 Gypsum 2 236 - 444 340.00 2 221 - 890 555.50 2 46.7 - 113 79.85 Hg Control 2 0.07 -0.29 0.18 2 0.05 -0.06 0.06 2 0.07 -0.44 0.26 Gypsum 2 0.06 -0.07 0.07 2 0.05 -0.06 0.06 2 0.06 -0.07 0.07 Mo Control 2 0.56 - 1.97 1.27 2 0.42 -0.46 0.44 2 0.21 - 1.96 1.09 Gypsum 2 0.45 - 1.16 0.81 2 0.25 - 0.44 0.35 2 0.22 - 1.23 0.73 Ni Control 2 1.16 - 2.96 2.06 2 3.96 - 8.86 6.41 2 2.45 - 7.55 5.00 Gypsum 2 1.08 - 2.60 1.84 2 3.45 - 8.64 6.04 2 1.41 - 2.06 1.74 Se Control 2 0.49 -0.56 0.53 2 0.59 -0.64 0.62 2 0.35 -0.39 0.37 Gypsum 2 0.50 -0.58 0.54 2 0.51 -0.73 0.62 2 0.38 -0.44 0.41 Zn Control 2 172 - 191 181.50 2 10.6 - 115 62.80 2 61.8 - 73.6 67.70 Gypsum 2 170 - 411 290.50 2 11.0 - 71.6 41.32 2 50.1 - 83.2 66.70Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Tomato



# • Gypsum application rate

– 2T FGD Gypsum/ac (5 T/ha) applied annuallyBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications Element Treatment Leaf Soil Fruit # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg As Control 6 0.55 - 3.67 1.79 6 1.70 - 4.66 3.07 4 0.24 - 1.63 0.72 Gypsum 6 0.61 - 2.83 1.46 6 1.89 - 4.73 2.97 4 0.35 -0.94 0.62 Cu Control 6 233- 760 457.00 6 0.42 - 16.2 10.64 4 7.24 - 15.6 10.75 Gypsum 6 135 - 871 445.50 6 0.76 - 16.0 9.08 4 9.34 - 15.1 12.05 Cd Control 6 0.39 -0.97 0.70 6 0.04 -0.11 0.08 4 0.06 -0.16 0.12 Gypsum 6 0.37 - 1.40 0.94 6 0.04 -0.27 0.12 4 0.11 -0.23 0.18 Cr Control 6 1.57 - 14.6 5.45 6 4.03- 21.9 12.12 4 0.64 - 8.12 3.48 Gypsum 6 1.52 - 11.0 5.41 6 4.29 - 14.7 9.77 4 0.66 - 8.19 4.74 Pb Control 6 0.06 -0.68 0.31 6 0.17 - 12.1 7.48 4 0.05 -0.32 0.12 Gypsum 6 0.06 -0.79 0.32 6 0.17 - 9.53 7.10 4 0.05 -0.72 0.31 Mn Control 5 320 - 640 491.00 5 98 - 232 161.20 2 14.3- 15.8 15.03 Gypsum 5 257 - 726 447.60 5 67 - 246 136.80 2 18.3- 19.9 19.10 Hg Control 6 0.02 -0.10 0.05 6 0.04 -0.10 0.06 4 0.01 -0.10 0.04 Gypsum 6 0.02 -0.10 0.05 6 0.02 -0.10 0.06 4 0.01 -0.10 0.04 Mo Control 6 0.28 - 1.16 0.71 6 0.26 -0.38 0.32 4 0.35 -0.87 0.54 Gypsum 6 0.18 - 1.18 0.62 6 0.20 -0.41 0.27 4 0.18 -0.74 0.48 Ni Control 4 1.72 - 5.63 3.79 6 0.23- 11.5 5.42 2 0.43- 2.81 1.62 Gypsum 4 1.86 - 3.43 2.76 6 0.58 - 9.89 5.47 2 0.39 -0.51 0.45 Se Control 6 0.12 - 6.34 3.01 6 0.32 -0.87 0.53 4 0.11 - 7.35 2.06 Gypsum 6 0.79 - 7.90 3.62 6 0.29 -0.71 0.45 4 0.27 - 6.56 1.98 Zn Control 6 28.1 - 51.5 41.80 6 27.4 - 41.6 33.24 4 18.7 - 28.2 22.35 Gypsum 6 28.2 - 47.7 38.86 6 28.2 - 47.7 34.25 4 26.5 - 47.7 32.41Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Peanuts



# • Gypsum application rate

– 0.5 T/ha (1.25 T/ha) applied annuallyBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications Element Treatment Leaf Soil Seed # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg As Control 15 0.16 - 2.24 1.56 22 1.40 - 53 6.81 9 0.16 - 1.12 0.54 Gypsum 15 0.10 - 2.38 1.48 22 1.21 - 8.47 4.21 9 0.05 - 1.12 0.78 Cu Control 15 3.30 - 19.69 7.90 22 0.31 - 13.86 6.65 9 0.67 - 9.33 3.19 Gypsum 15 4.33- 10.92 7.13 22 0.41 - 14.35 6.68 9 0.32 - 11.08 2.83 Cd Control 15 0.08 -0.27 0.14 22 0.03-0.30 0.10 9 0.03-0.08 0.06 Gypsum 15 0.03-0.18 0.11 22 0.04 -0.19 0.11 9 0.03-0.10 0.08 Cr Control 15 1.40 - 10.96 4.36 22 1.94 - 27.4 8.05 9 1.94 - 8.94 3.65 Gypsum 15 1.58 - 6.66 3.60 22 1.68 - 27.65 7.06 9 0.91 - 8.24 4.49 Pb Control 15 0.06 - 1.58 0.36 22 1.00 - 17.3 6.45 9 0.05 -0.50 0.17 Gypsum 15 0.06 - 1.51 0.31 22 0.24 - 14.08 5.09 9 0.03- 0.50 0.17 Mn Control 9 56 - 289 141.00 12 18.3- 1625 425.00 2 15.6 - 20.0 17.80 Gypsum 9 23 - 267 120.00 12 20.2 - 1365 276.00 2 17.0 - 19.5 18.25 Hg Control 15 0.03-0.10 0.04 22 0.02 -0.10 0.05 9 0.03- 0.05 0.04 Gypsum 15 0.03-0.10 0.04 22 0.02 -0.10 0.05 9 0.00 -0.06 0.03 Mo Control 15 0.03-0.72 0.15 22 0.13- 2.94 0.47 9 0.04 - 0.44 0.28 Gypsum 15 0.06 -0.65 0.17 22 0.13- 2.11 0.45 9 0.07 -0.89 0.40 Ni Control 9 0.77 - 2.32 1.34 18 0.25 - 11.94 1.98 9 0.50 - 5.38 1.22 Gypsum 9 0.45 - 2.17 1.38 18 0.32 - 6.37 1.64 9 0.68 - 3.41 0.98 Se Control 15 0.25 - 6.14 1.60 22 0.22 -0.72 0.30 9 0.05 - 1.00 0.33 Gypsum 15 0.25 - 3.82 1.25 22 0.19 -0.75 0.30 9 0.02 - 1.00 0.33 Ag Control 9 0.05 -0.15 0.10 18 0.10 -0.50 0.25 7 0.01 -0.25 0.18 Gypsum 9 0.01 -0.15 0.09 18 0.10 -0.50 0,23 7 0.01 -0.25 0.16 Zn Control 15 16.3- 101 44.80 22 13.8 - 127 28.90 9 16.9 - 41.4 30.90 Gypsum 15 17.7 - 98.5 39.30 22 10.9 - 170 21.90 9 5.75 - 40.8 29.40Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Cantaloupe



# • Gypsum application rate

– 2 T/ac (5 T/ha) applied annuallyBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications Element Treatment Leaf Soil Fruit # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean # Obs Range Mean mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg As Control 6 0.31 -0.44 0.35 2 1.34 - 3.90 2.63 5 0.10 - 0.71 0.51 Gypsum 6 0.20 -0.57 0.35 2 1.66 - 5.44 3.55 5 0.17 - 0.93 0.66 Cu Control 6 7.26 - 11.40 10.22 2 3.93- 4.85 4.39 5 4.88 - 9.89 6.33 Gypsum 6 7.03- 12.72 9.87 2 4.09 - 5.11 4.60 5 5.10 - 9.16 6.31 Cd Control 6 0.13- 1.05 0.53 2 0.05 - 0.12 0.08 5 0.06 -0.09 0.07 Gypsum 6 0.23-0.72 0.48 2 0.05 -0.09 0.07 5 0.05 -0.11 0.08 Cr Control 6 0.63- 6.05 4.70 2 7.81 - 10.64 9.23 5 1.70 - 3.50 2.81 Gypsum 6 2,12 - 5.05 4.00 2 9.71 - 24.81 17.30 5 0.90 - 3.11 2.56 Pb Control 6 0.30 - 0.84 0.54 2 5.35 - 7.41 6.38 5 0.05 -0.37 0.25 Gypsum 6 0.21 - 1.13 0.62 2 6.14 - 9.60 7.87 5 0.06 -0.36 0.24 Mn Control 6 80 - 513 243.00 2 68.0 - 79.4 68.70 5 21.0 - 50.5 34.70 Gypsum 6 165 - 278 225.00 2 43.1 - 84.2 63.30 5 26.3- 80.2 42.73 Hg Control 6 0.02 -0.05 0.03 2 0.03-0.05 0.04 5 0.01 -0.20 0.06 Gypsum 6 0.02 -0.05 0.03 2 0.03-0.05 0.04 5 0.01 -0.03 0.02 Mo Control 6 0.07 -0.25 0.15 2 0.21 - 0.41 0.31 5 0.07 -0.13 0.11 Gypsum 6 0.05 -0.25 0.12 2 0.22 -0.73 0.48 5 0.09 -0.22 0.17 Ni Control 6 2.23- 4.58 2.88 2 1.76 - 4.95 3.36 5 0.62 - 1.70 1.35 Gypsum 6 1.77 - 2.87 2.16 2 2.03- 5.07 3.55 5 0.60 - 1.93 1.58 Se Control 6 0.18 -0.79 0.56 2 0.33-0.66 0.50 5 0.41 -0.73 0.44 Gypsum 6 0.13 -0.88 0.63 2 0.36 -0.74 0.55 5 0.39 -0.56 0.35 Ag Control 6 0.05 -0.08 0.07 2 0.05 -0.10 0.08 5 0.05 -0.20 0.15 Gypsum 6 0.05 -0.08 0.07 2 0.06 -0.10 0.08 5 0.06 -0.20 0.16 Zn Control 6 51.7 - 70.4 57.60 2 18.14 - 56.1 37.00 5 26.2 - 35.5 29.67 Gypsum 6 41.8 - 85.1 54.40 2 7.47 - 19.05 13.26 5 24.5 - 38.8 30.00Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Outcome



# • Levels of all elements of environmental concern

– VERY LOW in soil, tissue, fruit and seeds

– Alfalfa and tomato tissue sometimes high in Se • Not due to FGD gypsum • Environmental heterogeniety likely responsible 

# • No consistent trends from gypsum application

– In soils, tissue, fruits or grains

– Variations probably due to heterogenietyBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# COMPARISON OF VARIOUS SOIL HEAVY METAL DATA BASESBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications Element Treatment Sumner Alloway Adriano World US # Obs Range Mean Range Mean Mean Mean mg/kg As Control 40 0.76 - 53 5.46 0.5 - 15 10 Gypsum 40 0.78 - 8.47 4.05 Cu Control 39 0.31 - 16.2 7.42 1 - 150 20 25 Gypsum 39 0.41 - 16.0 7.24 Cd Control 40 0.03-0.30 0.09 0.3- 11 1 0.3 0.5 Gypsum 40 0.04 -0.27 0.11 Cr Control 40 1.95 - 27.4 9.27 0.2 - 837 200 53 Gypsum 40 1.68 - 76.2 10.44 Pb Control 40 0.17 - 21.6 7.51 13 10 20 Gypsum 40 0.17 - 26.6 6.99 Mn Control 29 18 - 1036 337.54 50 - 11500 850 560 Gypsum 29 20 - 1365 259.81 Hg Control 40 0.02 - 0.10 0.05 0.001 - 0.46 0.11 Gypsum 40 0.02 -0.10 0.05 Mo Control 40 0.10 - 2.94 0.49 Gypsum 40 0.11 - 2.11 0.43 Ni Control 36 0.23- 11.94 3.23 0.8 - 439 40 20 Gypsum 36 0.32 - 9.89 3.06 Se Control 40 0.15 - 1.21 0.38 0.6 - 1.6 1.5 Gypsum 40 0.15 - 1.38 0.39 Zn Control 40 2.13- 127 29.83 0.7 - 987 50 50 54 Gypsum 40 2.49 - 170 24.05Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Outcome



# • Levels of all elements of environmental concern

– Well within normal ranges for soilsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Conclusions



# • In FGD gypsum applications to soils

– Levels of elements of environmental concern • Well within normal ranges for soils • No consistent variations in heavy metals due to FGD gypsum

– In soil

– In tissue

– In fruits or seeds 

# • Pose no threat to the environment or food chainBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION University of Georgia First Public Funded University in the United States

# USING GYPSUM TO AFFECT SOIL EROSION PROCESSES AND WATER QUALITY Dr. L Darrell Norton, Research Soil

Scientist USDA - ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, Purdue University, West Lafayette, INBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Rainwater is Natural Distilled and Low in ElectrolytesBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Both Physical and Chemical Processes Occur at the Time Scale of Raindrop ImpactBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# This Leads to Surface SealingBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Runoff Causing Soil Erosion and Removal of ChemicalsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Offsite Water Quality ProblemsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# This Leads to Surface SealingBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Natural Occurring Geologic DepositsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Synthetic Production from Clean Air RegulationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Synthetic Gypsum as a Soil AmendmentBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Gypsum Use in USA

Source USGS, 2004
• Total use 39,000,000 • Mined 18,000,000 • Synthetic 11,000,000 • Imports 10,400,000 • Cement 4,700,000 • Agriculture 1,000,000Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# DeWitt, Iowa Site Fayette silty clay loam

0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 Duration [min] 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 mm/hsoil loss [g/m^2*s]Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Fayette PAM+FBCBA Treatment

0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 Duration [min] 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 mm/hsoil loss [g/m^2*s]Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Effect of Gypsum and PAM on Soil Erosion by Concentrated flow on Steep Road Construction SlopesBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Soil Structural Differences (Control left Gypsum on right)Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Detachment by Flow reduced by Gypsum+PAMBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Effect of Gypsum on Erosion

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Control Gypsum Runoff (mm) Soil Loss (g/10 sq m) SRP (mg/sq m)Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Gypsum Effect on N and P

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

No-Till Gypsum Manure Man+Gyp SRP (mg/L * 10) TP (mg/L) Nitrate (mg/L) TN (mg/L)Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Conventional No - tillage on Vertisol in Villadiego , MXBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# No - Till System with Gypsum on Vertisol in Villadiego , MXBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Vertisol with Severe Cracking (Control)Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Vertisol Amended with GypsumBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Effect of Gypsum on infiltration/drainage on a Paulding clay

Gypsum No Gypsum PondingBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Root Biomass IncreasedBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Gypsum Application on Left w/o on RightBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Water Stress Reduced with Gypsum and PAMBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Random Corn Ears Amended with Gypsum on Left and Control, ColoradoBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# RCRA Total Elements in Materials Added (USEPA 3051) Material As Ba Cd Cr Hg Pb Se ppm ppm ppm ppm ppb ppm ppm FGD #1 <1.3 22.2 0.39 7.2 0.1635 <0.77 3.5 FGD #3 1.4 20.4 0.55 6.8 0.2320 <0.77 <2.3 Mined Gypsum <1.3 46.6 0.11 2.2 0.0001 <0.77 <2.3 Soil 9.4 170.8 1.47 30.3 0.0261 16.06 3.5Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Hg in Plant Corn Tissue Kingman, 2008 Type Trt Hg (ppb) S ( ppm ) N(%) C (%) Ear Leaf None 4.88 2245 2.99 44.20 Ear Leaf 2000 FGD 6.30 2855 2.84 43.16 Ear Leaf 2000 PG 4.51 2575 2.92 43.29 Stover None 6.29 1159 0.73 44.15 Stover 2000 FGD 6.20 927 0.70 36.03 Stover 2000 PG 6.52 1185 0.73 44.21 Grain None 2.31 1095 1.37 44.34 Grain 2000 FGD 3.22 1135 1.36 44.24 Grain 2000 PG 3.28 1129 1.33 44.06Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Kingman, IN Hg in Water - 60cm 2008 Date Rate (lbs) Product pH ppt Hg 7/18/2008 2000 FGD 7.11 17.09 7/23/2008 2000 FGD 7.53 19.54 7/18/2008 0 None 7.41 28.37 7/23/2008 0 None 7.8 67.98 7/18/2008 2000 Mined 7.29 65.32 7/23/2008 2000 Mined 6.8 18.96Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Hg in Runoff Water Kingman, IN 2009
Plot Trt Hg Conc. ppt Average 6 Control 18.6 12.24 10 Control 6.4 15 Control 11.8 1 6000 lb/ac Fly Ash 11.7 9.88 7 6000 lb/ac Fly Ash 10.2 14 6000 lb/ac Fly Ash 7.8

8 6000 lb/ac FGD 25.1 24.08 9 6000 lb/ac FGD 18.4 11 6000 lb/ac FGD 28.7Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Hg uptake in Corn Shoots 6 after six weeks subjected to perched water table Treatment Hg Drainage condition ppb Freely Drained Control 4.57 a FGD Gypsum 3.75 a Glyphosate 6.43 a FGD Gyp.+Glyph. 4.13 a Perched water table ( - 5cm) Control 55.92 b FGD Gypsum 61.88 b Glyphosate 61.98 b FGD Gyp.+Glyph . 64.54 bBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Conclusions
• FGD gypsum has a multitude of uses in agriculture • Reduced soil erosion and runoff • Improvement of physical properties • Ca and S Fertility • Improved water quality • Potential for improved N and P efficiency • FGD Gypsum has no significant uptake in corn on adverse potential to water quality for a poorly drained midwestern soil. • Improved yields and sustainability of agricultureBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Questions?

# A FARMER’S PERSPECTIVE ON FGD GYPSUM Jack MaloneyBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture ApplicationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture ApplicationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture ApplicationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture ApplicationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture ApplicationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture ApplicationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture ApplicationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Questions?

# SYNTHETIC GYPSUM AND AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS Warren Dick and Dave Kost School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University, Wooster, OHBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Gypsum from New South Wales, Australia Gypsum Powder Gypsum is a very soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO 4 

## ·2H 2 

## O. The word gypsum is derived from a Greek word meaning "chalk" or "plaster". Because the gypsum from the quarries of the Montmartre district of Paris has long furnished burnt gypsum, this material has often been called plaster of Paris. Gypsum is water - soluble. The source of gypsum is both mined and synthetic.



# What is Gypsum?Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Summary of Gypsum and Benefits

in Agriculture 

# q Ca and S source for plant nutrition q Source of S and exchangeable Ca to ameliorate subsoil acidity and Al 3+ 

# toxicity q Flocculate clays to improve soil structure and reclaim sodic and high magnesium soils (Also as growth media component for mushroom production - approximately 60 kg/ton compost)

## Wooster, Ohio



# Year Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Reduction in Atmospheric S Deposition q Increasing in importance as cause for crop S deficiencies q Loss of soil organic matter q Reduced annual S deposition § 34 kg/ha in 1971 § 19 kg/ha in 2002Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Average Corn Yields from 2002 to 2005 (Ohio, USA)

N Rate (kg ha -1 

# ) 0 50 100 150 200 250 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0

Y=5.80+0.029x-0.00009x 2

## (R 2 

## =0.85) Y=5.19+0.021x-0.00003x 2

## (R 2 

## =0.96) S No SBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Ca Ca Soil Acidity Ca Ca from lime will not reach the subsoil


# Soil Acidity Soil Acidity Soil Acidity Ca Soil Surface



# Ca CaBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Ca Ca

Al Al Ca

Al SO4 Ca

Clay platelet in subsoil Al 

# Gypsum applied to surface of soil with acidic subsoil

H + 

# Toxic
H H Al H + 

# Al SO4
Non - toxic AlBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Typical pH profile for a Blount soil 3 4 5 6 7 10 20 30 40 50 60 70Depth (cm) 

# pH pH Al 3+Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# limestone + gypsum limestone 1 2 3 Corn Root Density m/1000 cm 3 

# Depth

(cm) 20 40 60 80 Modified from Farina & Channon, SSSAJ (1988) 

# CaSO 4 

# + Al 3+ 

# Al(SO 4 

# ) + 

# + Ca 2+ 

# (toxic) (non - toxic)

Gypsum can ameliorate aluminum toxicity, especially in the subsoil, by forming soluble complexes with Al 3+ 

# .Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Gypsum and Sodic Soil Reclamation in China Comparison of field with (background) and without (foreground) FGD by - product gypsumBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in Agriculture

November 17 - 19, 2009 

### Indianapolis, IN 

# November 4 (afternoon), Pittsburgh, PA https://www.acsmeetings.org/ http://www.oardc.ohio - state.edu/ agriculturalfgdnetwork Workshop sponsored by: Combustion ByProducts Recycling Consortium (CBRC) Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) The Ohio State University U.S. Department of Energy/National Energy Technology LaboratoryBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in AgricultureBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in AgricultureBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

##          Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in Agriculture

http://www.oardc.ohio - state.edu/agriculturalfgdnetwork/Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in AgricultureBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in AgricultureBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in Agriculture

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rep Treatment P K Ca Mg S Sample ID tons/A

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g 1 FGD 55 Check0 4113.3 4253.8 339.4 1691.6 1498.3 2 FGD 57 Check0 3943.9 4281.1 368.8 1681.7 1550.3 3 FGD 62 Check0 4440.8 4356.9 367.4 1856.8 1564.5 4 FGD 63 Check0 4178.1 4524.6 373.9 1856.4 1546.0 1 FGD 54 FGDGyp10 3585.9 3877.8 372.8 1593.0 1665.3 2 FGD 59 FGDGyp10 3978.7 4176.0 413.4 1761.4 1831.4 3 FGD 61 FGDGyp10 4102.5 4054.1 362.2 1836.8 1709.2 4 FGD 64 FGDGyp10 3450.6 3735.2 352.0 1611.8 1676.7 1 FGD 56 CommGyp10 3575.0 3857.3 388.9 1610.3 1791.0 2 FGD 58 CommGyp10 3686.6 4033.9 402.0 1676.2 1851.4 3 FGD 60 CommGyp10 3880.0 3904.2 396.4 1707.2 1823.6 4 FGD 65 CommGyp10 3926.6 4132.6 443.2 1775.1 1970.3 Rep Treatment As Ba Be Cd Co Sample ID tons/A

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g 1 FGD 55 Check0 <1.284 10.040 <0.091 <0.048 <0.146 2 FGD 57 Check0 <1.284 9.608 <0.091 <0.048 <0.146 3 FGD 62 Check0 <1.284 7.315 <0.091 <0.048 <0.146 4 FGD 63 Check0 <1.284 9.307 <0.091 <0.048 <0.146 1 FGD 54 FGDGyp10 <1.284 5.624 <0.091 0.051 <0.146 2 FGD 59 FGDGyp10 <1.284 4.702 <0.091 0.082 <0.146 3 FGD 61 FGDGyp10 <1.284 4.462 <0.091 0.138 <0.146 4 FGD 64 FGDGyp10 <1.284 6.135 <0.091 0.131 <0.146 1 FGD 56 CommGyp10 <1.284 5.279 <0.091 0.050 <0.146 2 FGD 58 CommGyp10 <1.284 5.816 <0.091 0.061 <0.146 3 FGD 60 CommGyp10 <1.284 3.340 <0.091 0.151 <0.146 4 FGD 65 CommGyp10 <1.284 4.380 <0.091 0.101 <0.146 Great River Energy, North Dakota Gary Site 2007 Wheat Grain ChemistryBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in Agriculture
Al B Cu Fe Fe Mn Mo Na Zn

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g <6 .9 8 5 <1 .5 2 3 2.71 5 9 .4 4 5 4 .1 5 6 2 .4 6 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 3 7 .9 <6 .9 8 5 <1 .5 2 3 2.85 5 7 .9 3 5 5 .2 0 6 4 .3 2 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 4 4 .2 <6 .9 8 5 1.61 3.35 6 1 .1 6 5 8 .8 5 6 3 .9 0 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 5 0 .9 <6 .9 8 5 1.63 3.75 5 9 .9 5 5 6 .6 6 7 0 .3 5 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 4 2 .5 <6 .9 8 5 <1 .5 2 3 2.37 5 5 .3 1 5 0 .2 9 6 0 .3 1 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 4 0 .3 <6 .9 8 5 <1 .5 2 3 3.36 6 1 .2 4 5 7 .3 8 6 5 .6 0 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 5 6 .1 <6 .9 8 5 1.68 3.09 5 5 .8 1 5 1 .5 6 7 0 .1 2 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 4 9 .6 7.83 <1 .5 2 3 2.73 5 0 .5 8 4 8 .1 5 6 2 .3 5 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 3 8 .9 <6 .9 8 5 <1 .5 2 3 3.34 5 5 .2 4 5 0 .9 2 6 4 .9 0 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 4 3 .4 <6 .9 8 5 <1 .5 2 3 3.11 5 9 .7 1 5 5 .6 2 6 7 .7 0 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 4 8 .1 <6 .9 8 5 2.23 2.91 5 5 .5 8 5 3 .2 7 7 0 .5 2 0.69 <13.04 5 5 .0 <6 .9 8 5 <1 .5 2 3 3.70 6 1 .1 4 5 8 .0 5 6 8 .9 0 <0 .2 2 5 <13.04 5 4 .8 Cr Li Ni Pb Sb Se Si Sr V

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g

**m** g/g <0 .1 9 4 9.143 1.295 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 7 1 .3 2 9 2.153 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 9.796 1.222 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 3 8 .8 0 9 2.461 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 7.020 0.958 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 5 0 .5 8 5 2.419 0.37 <0 .1 9 4 8.693 1.612 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 5 4 .9 7 3 2.370 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 4.823 1.443 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 2 7 .1 9 0 2.172 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 4.711 1.351 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 4 5 .5 0 8 2.619 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 4.143 1.215 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 4 6 .7 1 6 2.589 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 5.777 1.456 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 3 8 .3 8 7 2.233 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 4.963 1.204 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 3 3 .0 3 2 2.543 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 5.557 1.617 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 3 5 .1 3 7 2.273 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 <3 .4 0 3 1.186 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 3 2 .7 6 1 2.263 <0 .2 9 <0 .1 9 4 4.570 1.474 <0 .7 7 4 <1 .0 4 7 <2 .3 2 1 4 1 .6 8 1 2.414 <0 .2 9Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Development of Network for FGD Gypsum Use in Agriculture
Rep Treatment % Nitrogen % Carbon % Sulfur Hg tons/A ppb or ng/g 1 Check0 2.65 43.70 0.237 2.161 2 Check0 2.83 43.46 0.284 3.655 3 Check0 2.86 43.36 0.268 1.096 4 Check0 2.77 44.06 0.242 1.276 1 FGDGyp10 2.69 43.52 0.315 1.415 2 FGDGyp10 2.86 43.42 0.300 1.297 3 FGDGyp10 2.84 43.69 0.308 1.086 4 FGDGyp10 2.66 43.54 0.265 2.169 1 CommGyp10 2.85 43.61 0.299 1.719 2 CommGyp10 2.88 43.54 0.295 1.420 3 CommGyp10 3.09 43.81 0.383 2.123 4 CommGyp10 2.91 43.37 0.309 0.905 Check0 = No gypsum applied FGDGyp10 = FGD gypsum at 10 tons/A CommGyp10 = Commercial gypsum at 10 tons/A Treatment DescriptionsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Earthworm Study
   Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Earthworm Study Concentrations of elements in

the FGD gypsum and mined gypsum usedBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Earthworm Study Effects of gypsum on concentrations of elements in soil in 2008Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Earthworm Study Effects of gypsum on concentrations of elements in

plant tissue from the second harvest in 2008.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Earthworm Study Effects of FGD gypsum on the number and biomass of earthwormsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Earthworm Study Effects of gypsum on concentrations of elements in earthworm tissue in 2008Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# THANK YOU!

# RISK ASSESSMENT FOR USE OF FGD GYPSUM IN AGRICULTURE Rufus L. Chaney Senior Research Agronomist USDA - ARS - EMBUL Beltsville, MDBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Old vs. New FGD - Gypsum 

# • Old FGD - Byproduct contained much of the elements in fly ash, such that B, As, Se, etc. were a source of concern depending on the coal source used.



# – Used at limestone rate for alfalfa, FGDB supplied B, Ca, alkalinity and Se that served as fertilizers without causing excessive transfer of toxics to crops. 

# • New FGD -Gypsum produced post fly ash removal contains very low levels of all trace elements.



# – Difficult to find potential adverse effects of constituents of present high quality FGD -Gypsum.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Alternative Beneficial Uses: FGD - Gypsum 

# • Calcium fertilizer for peanuts, etc. 

# • Sulfate fertilizer for many crops. 

# • Improve water infiltration.



# – Reduce soil erosion/crusting. 

# • Reduce P runoff by Ca precipitation.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# • Pathway Highly Exposed Individual
• 1. Soil è Plant è Human Farm markets; 2.5% of food . • 2. Soil è Plant è Human Home gardens; 60% of garden foods for lifetime; 1000 t/ha
• 3. Soil è Human 200 mg/day soil/dust ingestion; 1000 t/ha
• 4. Sol è Plant è Animal è Human Farms; 45% home -grown meat; 1000 t/ha • 5. Soil è Animal è Human Grazing ruminants; soil is 2.5% of annual diet; 45% home -grown meat.
• 6. Soil è Plant è Animal 100% of livestock feeds grown on soils; • 1000 t/ha • 7. Soil è Animal Grazing ruminants; 2.5% soil in diet.



# Pathways for Risk Assessment of Elements in Soils, and Highly Exposed Individuals - 1.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Pathways for Risk Assessment of Elements in Soils, and Highly Exposed Individuals - 2. 

# Pathway Highly Exposed Individual

• 8. Soil è Plant Sensitive crops; strongly acidic; 1000 t/ha . • 9. Soil è Soil Biota Earthworms; microbes; metabolic function of soil; 1000 t/ha . • 10. Soil Biota è Soil Biota Predator Shrews; 1/3 of diet presumed to be earthworms full of Soil; 1000 t/ha . • 11. Soil è Airborne Dust è Human Tractor operator; 1000 t/ha . • 12. Soil è Surface water è Human Subsistence fishers.
• 13. Soil è Air

**®** Human Farm households
• 14. Soil è groundwater

**®** Human Well water on farms.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Complex Equilibria of Metal Ions with Components of Soil Environments


# Adsorbed ç on Fe/Mn è Occluded in Fe/Mn oxides íì Plant Roots ëî Soil Microbes é
íì 

# Soil Solution Ni 2+ 

# + L ↔ Ni L éê Inorganic Solids L = Ligands Organic Inorganic 

# Ni(OH) 2 

# Ni - Silicate NiO Ni - Al - hydroxide Chelated to Organic Matter Humics; fulvics ëî Plant ShootsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications



# • Insolubility or adsorption in soil or plants roots:



# – Cr, Pb , Fe, Hg, Sn , Au, Ag, Zr , Al, F, Ti, etc. 

# • Phytotoxicity limits plant yield at levels which are not toxic for lifetime consumption by livestock:



# – Zn, Cu, Ni, As , Mn , B , etc. 

# • Exceptions to Soil - Plant Barrier:



# – Cd , Se possible risk to humans



# – Mo , Se , (Co) possible risk to livestock 

# • Barrier can be circumvented by direct ingestion of biosolids ; Volatilization of Hg is separate risk .



# – Fe, F, Pb , As , Hg may comprise risk in high on surface 

# . 

# Soil - Plant Barrier PROCESSES IN SOILS OR PLANTS THAT PREVENT EXCESSIVE FOOD - CHAIN TRANSFER OF ELEMENTSBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Use of 503 Limits for Materials Other Than Biosolids


# • In the absence of regulations for other materials, some have used the 503 limits. 

# • Should never consider use of Ceiling Limit. 

# • APL limit might be acceptable if other elements are not source of risk and material is applied at low fertilizer rates. 

# • Biosolids contain adsorptive materials (Fe oxides) which lower risk of applied metals; field derived plant uptake factors needed for other materials. 

# • Other elements may be more important than for biosolids , e.g., Boron 

# • High pH due to source may affect risk (Se, Mo).Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Risk Assessment for Beneficial Use of Spent Foundry Sand


# • USDA - ARS and Ohio State worked with US- EPA to conduct a risk assessment for beneficial use of spent foundry sand in agricultural applications.



# – Manufactured soil assumed to contain 50% by weight Spent Foundry Sand (SFS) as lifetime home garden for soil and garden crop exposure.



# – The Risk Assessment was completed in 2009, and is now undergoing external EPA Peer Review.



# – Errors in use of the EPA Exposure Factors Handbook for risk assessment would have limited soil As, but correction of garden foods intake database use gave unlimited beneficial use of SFS with 12 ppm As.



# – 95 th 

# % ile of background soil as practical element limit; SFS contained lower levels of elements than US soils.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# USDA/OSU SFS Characterization 

# • Spent foundry sand characterization



# – 43 Samples from 37 foundries in 13 states



# – 31 iron, 6 steel, 4 aluminum and 2 non - leaded brass



# – Total metals, leachable metals, phenolics , PAHs (includes dioxins, furans, dioxin - like PCBs) 

# • Effects on plants/soil biota



# – Importance of good agronomic practices (e.g. soil pH appropriate for plants)Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Scope of Risk Evaluation 

# Evaluated Non -olivine molding sands from iron, steel, and aluminum foundries.



# – Not Evaluating Olivine Sands 

# • Insufficient data 

# • Olivine contains about 2000 ppm Ni which can dissolve is soils become strongly acidic.



# – Excluded SFS from foundries that cast alloys that are high in Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb , and Zn (e.g. stainless steel, brass, bronze, pewter)Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Evaluation Steps 

# • Obtain SFS-specific data



# – Trace elements at low detection limits.



# – Xenobiotics likely to be present.



# – Nutrients. 

# • Review SFS-specific data



# – Constituents, properties



# – Environmental behavior (e.g. plant survival/uptake) 

# • Develop/Choose Conceptual Model 

# • Screen out exposure pathways, constituents 

# • Model remaining pathways, constituents 

# • Characterize risk w/in context of soil science 

# • ConclusionsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Screening / Modeling 

# Inhalation of Fugitive Dust 

# • Resident Downwind of Soil Blending Facility 

# • Conservative estimate of particulate concentrations 

# • Calculated screening values Results: All SFS concentrations at least order of magnitude below screening valuesBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Screening / Modeling (cont.) 

# Leaching to Groundwater: Screening constituents



# – Compared SFS leachate to MCLs, NSDWSs



# – Presumed soil contained 50% SFS by dry weight and

comprised large soil area. Results: Screened out phenolics , PAHs, dioxins/furans/dioxin - like PCBs, most metals. 

# • As, (Be, Cd , Sb ) remained for further studyBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Screening / Modeling (cont.) 

# • Leaching to Groundwater : Modeling



# – 10,000 runs of probabilistic model (IWEM)



# – High -end exposures compared to MCLs



# – Results : all exposure conc. estimates below benchmarks.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Screening / Modeling (cont.) 

# Home gardener - ingestion of produce, soil: screening constituents



# – Soil assumed to be 50% SFS and large enough to provide garden foods to high end hime gardener.



# – Compared soil conc. to human and ecological Soil Screening Levels.



# – Results : phenolics , PAHs, dioxin/furan/dioxin - like PCBs, most metals screened out. 

# • As, Mn , Ni, Pb remained for further studyBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Screening / Modeling (cont.) 

# Ingestion of Produce & Soils: Modeling Home Gardener

– EPA’s Biosolids Methodology.

– Probabilistic Model Runs for 1 mg/kg.

– Used high -end hazard estimates to calculate conservative screening values

– Compared high -end SFS concentrations to screening values 

# Results : SFS concentrations below screening valuesBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Soil Background


# • SFS media similar to natural soils. 

# • As, Co, Fe, Mn , and Ni all have similar distributions to national soils, usually lower. 

# • Example: As 95 th 

# percentile in SFS is lower than median of national background.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Comparing As in Spent Foundry Sand and US Soils

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 SFS Dataset, 2009 N=39Number of Samples

SFS As Concentration, mg kg -1

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 USGS Dataset, 2005 N=254Number of Samples

Soil As Concentration, mg kg -1 

# SFS: 95 th 

# %ile : 4.1 50 th 

# %ile: 1.1 US Background Soils: 95 th 

# %ile: 12 50 th 

# %ile: 5Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Conclusions for SFS 

# • Non - Olivine Iron, Steel, and Aluminum Spent Foundry Sands:



# – Have constituent concentrations similar to that of native soils



# – Do not pose a threat to human health or the environment when used: 

# • As an ingredient in manufactured soils used at 50% of dry weight of home garden soil. 

# • As an ingredient in soil - less media 

# • In roadway sub - baseBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture ApplicationsBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Composition of Old CCPs (mg/kg) MN 23 Fly Ash 59 FGDs Dowdy Furr et al., 1977 Kost et al., 2005 Mean Min Max Mean Min Max B 824. 255. 10. 600. 145. 68. 948. Mo 7.4 8.6 <0.02 63.7 Se 8.4 1.2 17. 3.6 2.7 23.0 As 85.6 2.3 312 75. 5.2 386. Cd <0.5 2.3 <0.5 40.7 Zn 33.9 119. 5.0 469. Cu 52.4 177. 13.3 1490. Ni 16.9 33.0 12.4 156. Pb 22.7 11.3 5.0 139. Cr 32.7 16.9 11.4 89.3Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Trace Elements in Gypsum and Soils Element FGD -Gypsum Mined -Gypsum 95%ile Soil
• As 3.4 <2.6 12. • B 42.4 <3.0 . • Cd 1.2 0.2 0.6 • Co 1.0 0.3 17.6 • Cr 13.2 5.1 70. • Cu <0.8 <0.8 30.1 • Mo 1.8 0.6 2.16 • Ni 5.0 2.3 37.5 • Pb 2.1 <1.5 38.0 • Se 18.8 <4.6 1.0 • Zn 16.5 4.3 103. OSU preliminary dataset from EPRI.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Present Considerations of As Limit at US - EPA


# • EPA concludes that soil may not exceed 0.4 mg As/kg without risk thru soil ingestion by children. 

# • This concentration is below As in normal US soils. 

# • Many question the validity of the 0.4 mg/kg limit for soil As (10 - 5 

# lifetime cancer risk). 

# • EPA considering 20 -fold increase in As cancer slope. 

# • For iron foundry sands, some sands are above the 0.4 mg/kg level, but lower than normal soils such that application of spent foundry sand would reduce “risk” from ingestion of background soils. 

# • Foundry sand risk assessment accepts use on land. 

# • EPA previously attempted to make fly ash hazardous due to As level but were caught with bad calculations.Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Concentrations of As in US Soils Mean Range N Reference • 7.2 <0.1 - 97 1318 US: Shacklette & Boerngen , 1984 • 11.3 0.1 - 194 >3000 World : Ure and Berrow , 1982 • 0.42 0.1 - 50.6 441 FL : Chen, Ma & Harris, 2002 • 5.8 1.0 - 18.0 254 USGS: Smith et al., 2005 • 7.6 1.2 - 18.4 585 CA : Chang et al. (2006) • 0.69 0.04 - 4.8 43 Foundry Sand : Dungan (2007) How should the US deal with background soil As which varies with parent rock As levels and soil formation processes, as well as historic agricultural and industrial practices?Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Distribution of Soil As Concentration in California Soils (Chang et al, 2007)

As Soil Content (mg kg -1 ) 0 5 10 15 20Number of Observation



## 0 20 40 60 80 100 

# Mean=7.64 GM =6.91 N = 585Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Statistic mg kg - 1 

# DW Mean 5.8 Minimum 1.0 Maximum 18.0 Median 5.0 90 th 

# 10.0 95 th 

# 11.4 99 th 

# 13.0 EPA - SSL 0.426 Distribution of Soil As Concentrations in Recent USGS Transects of USA (Smith et al., 2005) [N=256]Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

## 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 

## USGS Dataset, 2005 N=254Number of Samples



# Soil As Concentration, mg kg -1Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

## 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 

# SFS Dataset, 2009 N=39Number of Samples



# SFS As Concentration, mg kg -1Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

### 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 

## SFS Dataset, 2009 N=39Number of Samples



## SFS As Concentration, mg kg -1 

### 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 

### USGS Dataset, 2005 N=254Number of Samples



## Soil As Concentration, mg kg -1Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Summary/Conclusions


# • New FGD -Gypsum is low in trace elements and other problem contaminants compared to background soils. 

# • Presuming low trace element levels, FGD -Gypsum will be below the 95 th 

# % - ile of background US soils. 

# • The Spent Foundry Sand Risk Assessment found no risk to humans or the environment when elements were below the 95 th 

# % - ile of US soils. 

# • Dioxins, PAHs, and other xenobiotics were also subjected to risk assessment. 

# • Questions about Hg emissions remain, but it seems difficult to conclude it would be a new and significant hazard to prohibit use of FGD -Gypsum

# BREAK

# FGD PRODUCTION AND MARKET TRENDS Looking Back and Looking Ahead Dave Goss for ACAABeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Production Trends 

# Year Tons Produced Tons Used Wallboard 

# Disposal 2008 17,754,939 10,853,344 8,533,732 6,901,595 2007 12,300,000 9,228,271 8,254,849 3,071,729 2006 12,100,000 9,561,489 7,579,187 

# 2,538,511 2005 11,975,000 9,268,365 8,178,079 2,706,635Beneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Future Production
• As more power plants add air emission scrubbers, more FGD gypsum will be produced • Anticipate volumes in excess of 25 million tons annually • Not all will be used in wallboard or cement production • Some will go into agriculture where market conditions permitBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Marketing Considerations
• Does the gypsum meet quality needed for crop use? • Not all crops can use FGD gypsum effectively • Is the delivery distance economically achievable? • Market saturation may limit expansion in some regions • Regulatory acceptance is important • Negative perception or stigma could cause market lossBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# Conclusions
• Agricultural use of FGD gypsum is likely to increase significantly • Shifting from wet impoundments to mechanically dewatered systems will allow more FGD gypsum to be stored for future use • However, larger amounts of FGD gypsum will be disposed of in the future requiring new landfill facilities • Increased agricultural use could reduce landfills needed

# IMPLEMENTATION Ron Chamberlain & Bob SpoerriBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# • Permitting for agricultural use by States - requirements vary • BRM holds permits in 2 States, applications in process in 5 other States • Typically considered under State Environmental Departments Water regulations • State Agricultural Departments typically issue licenses and collect taxes 

# Regulation of FGD Gypsum in AgricultureBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# • Materials Testing against Clean Water Act Part 503 Standards for land application of “Exceptional Quality” Bio - solids • Management Plan Required o Appropriate utilization o Materials Handling o Application Rates o User Information Sheets o Storage requirements 

# • Record Keeping and Reporting o Individual application site o Statewide volumes 

# Common State Permitting ProceduresBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications



# FGD Composition Breakdown (mg/kg) Part 503 Exceptional Quality BioSolid FGD Gypsum Typical Range per USEPA BRM Customer

Plant A BRM Customer

Plant B Metal Arsenic 41 .6 - 4.0 <.43 2.4 Cadmium 39 .2 - 1.2 0.042 n.d. Copper 1500 1.1 - 4.7 no data 4.6 Lead 300 .8 - 12.0 1.5 n.d. Mercury 17 .01 - 1.4 0.97 0.08 Molybdenum 75 .5 - 12.0 0.31 2.89 Nickel 420 .73 - 20.1 2.6 2.6 Selenium 100 2.0 - 30.0 12 4.12 Zinc 2800 3.4 - 47.5 5.5 10 n.d. = Not DetectableBeneficial Reuse of FGD Gypsum in Agriculture Applications 

# • Appropriate Utilization o Soil Properties o Soil Test Values o Field Observations § Water § Soil Structure § Crop development § Biological systems 

# • Materials Handling o Transport o Land Application 

# • Application Rates • User Information Sheets • Storage requirements 

# Management Plan

# DISCUSSION: Q & A

# THANK YOU