Analysis of Hydrocarbons and Ash Particles Formed from Contaminated Industrial Biowaste under Combustion-like Conditions

Abstract

A concept of multizone combustion of pulp and paper-generated biowaste was investigated. The biowaste was initially fed into the low-temperature region (<1250 K) and then subjected to the high-temperature treatment (1770 K), which was followed by sudden quenching in a second low-temperature zone (≪1250 K). This type of burning is called the low−high−low temperature process (LHL). It was found that destruction of selected polycyclic aromatic compounds occurred during the LHL process before they were emitted into the atmosphere. The biowaste material underwent dramatic morphological changes, which influenced segregation of metals within ash particles and their leachability. The heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb) were encapsulated and immobilized within the ash particle core surrounded by a compact shell consisting of condensed layers of light nonhazardous metals (Si, Al, Na, K). It seems that the multizone combustion of biowaste may be an attractive and useful way for the clean and efficient disposal of contaminated...