Distribution of heavy metals in an incineration system of solid wastes in the Three-Gorges region of the Yangtze River

Abstract

On the basis of investigations on the composition and contents of heavy metals in the domestic refuse in the Three-Gorges region of the Yangtze River, in combination with the experimental results, this paper deals with the distribution rule of heavy metals in the various compartments of an incineration system: leachate pool, fly ash and residue. It is concluded that in the leachate pool heavy metals should not be neglectable since about 30% of Pb and 10% of Cr are leached here; in the incineration system, above 74% of Cr, As and Pb exists in residue; above 96% of Hg exists in fly ash and the contents of Cd in fly ash are close to those of residue. It is also concluded that the physical conditions of incineration have a significant influence on the distribution of heavy metals in the incineration system.