Ecorestoration of Fly Ash Deposits by Native Plant Species at Thermal Power Stations in Serbia

Abstract

Fly ash (FA) generated as a coal combustion product from thermoelectric powers plants threatens the environment and human health worldwide. The establishment of “green cover” on FA deposits by using native plants that are the best adapted to the local environment is essential in ecorestoration management. Vegetation surveys on FA deposits in Serbia showed that the sown native species of grass–legume mixtures have nitrogen-fixing ability, grow rapidly, and provide erosion control and stabilization of FA. These properties help in improving the physical and chemical characteristics of FA thereby increasing the chances of establishing a thriving native plant community. A large number of spontaneous native colonizers are tolerant to drought, intense light, high temperatures, alkaline reaction, and to a small content of nitrogen in FA. The high phytoremediation and adaptive potential of native plants that grow and survive in harsh conditions on FA deposits point to their key role in the revegetation, stability, and resilience of an ecosystem.