ABSTRACT
During the combustion of fossil fuel for energy production, fly ash is generated as an industrial byproduct, which is an environmental pollutant. Extensive use of coal, crude oil, etc., for power generation has augmented the generation of fly ash throughout the world, consequently creating a disposal problem and an environmental threat. A substantial amount of fly ash is disposed of in ash ponds and landfills without proper treatment, which may result in severe environmental degradation of land in future. The presence of Si, Al, Fe, Cd, Cr, Mn, B, As, Cu, Zn, and Mo in this by-product is hazardous to living organisms. Often it also contains a relatively high amount of valuable metals like vanadium and nickel, which can be recycled and reused. Thus, fly ash should be treated prior to its disposal. This chapter provides an insight into the biohydrometallurgical recovery of metals from fly ash.
