Gaseous Emissions Monitoring and Ash Analysis of an Industrial Incinerator in Pakistan

Abstract

A study was conducted on an industrial incinerator located at Kala Shah Kaku, Punjab, Pakistan to monitor and evaluate stack emissions (NOX, SOX, CO, VOCS) and determination of heavy metals in bottom and fly ash of an industrial incinerator burning tobacco dust. Incinerated bottom and fly ash samples were collected. For the purpose of ambient air monitoring three different sides of incinerator were selected. The air emissions monitoring included emissions from right side of the incinerator (A1), emissions from left side of the incinerator (A2) and emissions from the main gate of the incinerator (A3). To determine heavy metals in bottom and fly ash, HACH and Merck procedure via spectrophotometer were used. Respirable Dust Sampler and Flue Gas Analyzer were used to monitor ambient air quality and stack emissions respectively. The results of ambient quality (SOx, NOx, CO, CO2, PM& O2) revealed that the emissions from A2 were comparatively higher than emissions from A1 and A3. With the help of Flue Gas Analyzer it was found that carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were higher than SOX, NOX and VOCS. Bottom ash analysis by spectrophotometer showed that the heavy metals were below the detectable limits. The analysis conducted for heavy metals in fly ash by spectrometry as well confirmed that lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were below the detectable limits and chromium was 1.96 mg/kg of the ash.