The detection of ash derived from the illegal co-combustion of solid waste with coal in domestic boilers with the aid of spectrometric approaches and statistical learning

Abstract

Emissions from solid fuels used for individual heating in suburban areas and in towns are a constantly growing threat to human health. Another very negative factor is illegal waste disposal by combustion in installations not adapted for this purpose. Most developed and developing countries have existing statutory rules regarding the prohibition of domestic and municipal waste combustion in a different way than in installations adapted for it, i.e., in waste incineration plants. Nonetheless, only a few countries, including Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland, have regulations governing the control of domestic boilers, allowing verification of compliance with legislation prohibiting waste disposal by combustion and legislation governing environmental protection, particularly air protection. However, for these conditions to be met, a methodology must be developed. As a result, a unique approach and algorithm for the classification of wastes (solid ash) and the identification of dangerous compounds that may originate from waste co-combustion have been created and presented in this work. The proposed algorithm has a 97% accuracy, and the solution produced on its basis consists of four steps: obtaining a sample, performing a visual analysis, analysing the chemical composition, and calibrating with the result.