Chemical stabilization of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration fly ash: a review

Abstract

Sufficient attention should be attached to the large amount of fly ash containing high levels of toxic heavy metals generated after municipal solid waste incineration. Because heavy metals could be leached out of the fly ash under specific conditions, it is necessary to stabilize the heavy metals in fly ash before landfill disposal. Processing technologies of incineration fly ash include solidification/stabilization technology, thermal treatments, and separation processes. This study reviewed the current treatment technologies of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash, with the main focus on the treatment of heavy metals in fly ash with chemical stabilization. Chemical stabilization processes involve chemical precipitation of heavy metal and chelation of heavy metals. In multiple studies, chemical stabilization technology has shown practical feasibility in terms of technology, economy, and effect. In addition, the combination of two or more stabilization agents broadens the general applicability of the agents to heavy metals and reduces the cost. The application of joint processing technology realizes the remove of soluble salt from fly ash. To minimize pollutants while increase their usable value, effective use of waste and co-disposal of several kinds of wastes have gradually become the research hotspots. New developments in chemical stabilization are progressively moving towards the sustainable direction of harmlessness and resource utilization of MSWI fly ash.