The Use of Multivariate Data Analysis (HCA and PCA) to Characterize Ashes from Biomass Combustion

Małgorzata Szczepanik,Grzegorz Zając,Artur Wolak,Adam Koniuszy,Małgorzata Hawrot-Paw,Joanna Szyszlak-Bargłowicz

doi:10.3390/en14216887

Abstract

The content of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in ash samples from miscanthus, oak, pine, sunflower husk, wheat straw, and willow ashes burned at 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C, respectively, was determined. The statistical analysis of the results was based on multivariate methods: hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA), which made it possible to classify the raw materials ashed at different temperatures into the most similar groups, and to study the structure of data variability. Using PCA, three principal components were extracted, which explain more than 88% of the variability of the studied elements. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of multivariate statistical techniques to the analysis of the results of the study of heavy metal content allowed us to draw conclusions about the influence of biomass properties on its chemical characteristics during combustion.

Highlights

All recent research works and operational experiments in the area of biomass combustion aim for the optimization of this process, and for a reduction in emissions [1,2]
The use of the variable properties of ash from biomass combustion are limited in construction materials [8,9]; at the same time, ash from biomass combustion belong to the oldest mineral fertilizers
The heavy metal content of the biomass studied varied within very wide limits

Summary

Introduction

All recent research works and operational experiments in the area of biomass combustion aim for the optimization of this process, and for a reduction in emissions [1,2]. Research on the improvement of the combustion concerns mainly the reduction of gas emission by proper selection of installation parameters, and application of appropriate technology for flue gas cleaning, as well as methods of solid waste management compliant with the principles of sustainable development [4,5,6,7]. The use of the variable properties of ash from biomass combustion are limited in construction materials [8,9]; at the same time, ash from biomass combustion belong to the oldest mineral fertilizers. The use of biomass ash in larger doses can have a deacidifying effect, and improve the physicochemical properties of light soils [13,14]

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Conclusion