Determination of forms of heavy metals in bottom ash from households using sequential extraction

Abstract

The paper presents the results of heavy metals mobility obtained by sequential extraction method and leaching test. Heavy metals in solid waste material occur in different forms and phases that differ in terms of the toxicity, mobility and bioavailability. The sequential extraction analysis is widely used in order to predict the behaviour of heavy metals in a solid material. The sequential extraction methods involve a gradual separation of metals in various forms by means of specific extractants. The material used in the research applied bottom ash derived from households. The results of heavy metals concentrations (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn) in extractable forms and total content in waste were presented. The five forms of heavy metals were determined. The concentrations of heavy metals were analyzed by FAAS. The lowest concentrations of analyzed heavy metals were determined in the exchangeable form. The author observed that the particular elements occurred mainly in forms: zinc and cadmium associated with carbonates, lead and copper in the organic and residual form, chromium and nickel in the residual form. Heavy metals in the residual fraction do not pose a possible environment hazard. The application of speciation analysis of heavy metals in bottom ash provide the means to assess the content of dissoluble forms of metals in water relative to their total content. This information is useful in assessing the migration capabilities of heavy metal ions from waste to the ground-water environment. The potential for the reuse of bottom ash was also discussed in the paper.