Microstructural and magnetic characterization of fly ash from Kolaghat Thermal Power Plant in West Bengal, India

► The paper reports on the physical nature of the fly ash sample from Kolaghat Thermal Power Plant, India. ► Methods like SEM, EDX, XRD, SQUID and Mössbauer spectroscopy have been used for characterization. ► The fly ash sample contains ultrafine particles (0.16-5.50 μm) having some magnetic components. ► The major components of the fly ash are mullite and quartz. ► The results may draw attention of people concerned with environmental management and related issues.