Environmental Impact Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Determination of caffeine in treated wastewater discharged in the Nile River with emphasis on the effect of zinc and physicochemical factors

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of caffeine residues in the Nile River according to drainage of treated wastewater at Assiut, Egypt, and the effects of physicochemical parameters and zinc on its concentration. Four different sites were selected to perform the study: S, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) canal (source site); J, a junction site between WWTP canal and the Nile; R, a reference site in the Nile before J site; and A, a site located after J site in the Nile. Water and sediment samples were collected in Summer 2022 and Winter 2023. Caffeine and Zn concentrations and physicochemical parameters were measured in the collected samples. The caffeine concentrations in water samples ranged from 5.73 to 53.85 μg L−1 at S in winter and summer, respectively, while those in sediment ranged from 0.14 mg kg−1 at R in winter to 1.54 mg kg−1 at S in summer. Caffeine and Zn concentrations were higher in summer samples. The Water Quality Index (WQI) of the collected samples recorded the lowest values in winter season at S and J sites. The study found that caffeine and zinc concentrations are positively correlated with water temperature and conductivity, while negatively correlated with pH. The association between caffeine and Zn highlights the environmental impact of heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues, and stresses the need for future research on these interactions.

Environmental Impact of Heavy Metals in Soils from Electronic Waste Dumpsite in Southwest Nigeria

The massive influx of electronics into Nigeria has led to environmental challenges due to increase in the production of electronic waste, which causes serious health and pollution problems. This study investigated the level and impact of heavy metals in 30 soil samples from an electronic waste disposal site in southwest Nigeria, using appropriate standard methods. The range concentrations of the heavy metals were 1615 mg/kg Pb, 20 mg/kg Cr, 266.32 mg/kg Ni, 22.39 mg/kg Cd and 242.03 mg/kg Cu at depth 0-15cm while 1453.56 mg/kg Pb, 26.31 mg/kg Cr, 497.11 mg/kg Ni, 17.04 mg/kg Cd and 230.31 mg/kg Cu were observed at depth 15-30 cm. The concentrations of the heavy metals exceeded the allowable limits, except for Cr. The mean degree of contaminations, 18.15 and 14.35, were observed at depths 0-15 and 15-30 cm respectively and indicated considerable and moderate degree of contamination by the heavy metals, respectively. The mean Potential index of 323.52 and 225.79 at depth 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm showed sever toxicity and moderate toxicity, respectively. The I-geo. of Pb at both depths indicated extreme contamination. This study reveals sever potential environmental and health hazards in the neighborhood, ecosystem, and community, and advises that the government should establish a national policy on e-waste and regulate testing of all electronics imported under the names of reuse, donation and recycling, which will halt the importation of e-scraps (e-waste).

The environmental impact of heavy metals in sediments of main valleys in the eastern side of Mosul City, Iraq.

Analyzing the geochemical changes in stream sediments can reveal important surface processes on Earth, like weathering, transportation, and cation exchange. The study area is located on the eastern side of Mosul, where valleys named Al-Rashediya, Al-Kharrazi, Al-Khosar, Al-Danffilli, and Al-Shor flow towards the Tigris River. These valleys' sediments contain diverse components like clay minerals, organic matter, iron oxides, carbonates, and heavy metals (H.M.s), either as part of these substances or adsorbed onto them. In this study, 36 sediment samples were gathered from these valleys. They underwent chemical analysis through X-ray fluorescence to ascertain their chemical constituents of major oxides. To understand the distribution of H.M.s in these sediments, correlation coefficient analysis and factor analysis were utilized. The study employed the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (E.F.) to evaluate sediment contamination. The results of Igeo ranged from Cr = 0.24 to 1.83, Ni = -0.92 to 0.77, Cu = -2.41 to 0.05, Zn = -1.83 to 0.89, Pb = -1.54 to 0.36, and As = -2.84 to 0.80. These findings suggest that the valley sediments are generally in the range of deficiency to minimal enrichment and moderate enrichment. However, Al-Danffilli Valley shows strong contamination levels for Cu, Zn, and Pb. The E.F. values for Cr = 3.63-12.50, Ni = 1.95-4.19, Cu = 0.69-12.36, Zn = 1.08-16.19, Pb = 1.25-62.16, and As = 0.60-1.79 indicate levels ranging from deficiency to minimal and moderate enrichment. Al-Danffilli Valley, in particular, was identified as ranging from moderate to extremely high enrichment, attributed to its location near industrial areas and its tributaries.

Recycling of waste lithium-ion batteries via a one-step process using a novel deep eutectic solvent

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) possess excellent solubility and selectivity, making them suitable for extracting valuable metals and serving as a green alternative in the recycling process. This work introduces a low-viscosity DES consisting of dimethylthetin, oxalic acid, and water for the comprehensive recovery of cathode materials from LIBs. Leaching parameters such as ratio (1:1), leaching temperature (60 °C), and reaction time (15 min) for were systematically optimized, resulting in a selective separation efficiency of 99.98 % for lithium ions. Furthermore, in-situ regeneration of the precursor can be achieved during the leaching process. Charge-discharge tests indicate that the initial charge and discharge capacities of the regenerated battery are 166.8 mAh/g and 138.4 mAh/g, respectively. The DES demonstrates stability and can be easily recycled by replenishing the consumed components. This proposed strategy facilitates the reintroduction of nonrenewable resources into the supply chain and reduces the environmental impact of heavy metals, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.

Oxic effects of Pb-Ce compound pollution on Chinese cabbage and programmed cell death in root tip cells

Heavy metal pollution is increasing, and rare earth elements (REE) play an important role in the environmental impact of heavy metals. Mixed heavy metal pollution is a major issue with complex effects. Despite substantial research on single heavy metal pollution, relatively few studies have focused on pollution from rare earth heavy metal composites. We studied the effects of different concentrations of Ce–Pb on the antioxidant activity in root tip cells and biomass of Chinese cabbage. We also used the integrated biomarker response (IBR) to evaluate the toxic effects of rare earth-heavy metal pollution on Chinese cabbage. We used programmed cell death (PCD) for the first time to reflect the toxicological effects of heavy metals and rare earths and studied the interaction between Ce and Pb in root tip cells in depth. Our results showed that Ce–Pb compound pollution can induce PCD in the root cells of Chinese cabbage, and the toxicity of compound pollutants is greater than that of single pollutants. Our analyses also provide the first evidence that Ce and Pb exert interaction effects in the cell. Ce induces Pb transfer in plant cells. The Pb content in the cell wall decreases from 58% to 45%. Additionally, Pb induced Ce valence changes. Ce (III) decreased from 50% to 43%, while Ce (IV) increased from 50% to 57%, directly resulting in PCD in the roots of Chinese cabbage. These findings improve our understanding of the harmful effects of compound pollution with rare earth metals and heavy metals on plants.

Water Quality Assessment and Environmental Impact of Heavy Metals in the Red Sea Coastal Seawater of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

The Yanbu industrial city along the Red Sea coast includes industries associated with crude oil and natural gas production and refining and support industries that produce manufactured goods for domestic and/or internal consumption. This study investigates the potential environmental impact and the possible sources of heavy metals (HMs), and it evaluates the quality of coastal surface seawater in the vicinity of Yanbu, along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Thirty seawater samples have been collected and analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) in order to determine the concentration values of Fe, Cr, Pb, Sb, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, Ni, As, Cd, Co, and Hg. Reported HMs averages (μg/L) are in the following sequence: Ni (4.424) > As (4.297) > Cu (2.447) > Zn (1.667) > Al (1.133) > Fe (0.983) > Cr (0.723) > Mn (0.328) > Cd (0.309) > Pb (0.276) > Sb (0.238) > Co (0.144) > Hg (0.058). The contamination index (Cd) showed low contamination levels in all of the analyzed samples, whereas the index of heavy metal pollution (HPI) revealed medium contamination levels in 28 samples and low levels in two samples. Reported high HMs variations within samples are attributed to the multiplication of sources. The statistical analyses indicated anthropogenic sources for Cd, Co, Hg, Zn, and Ni, which may have originated from industrial, farming, or fishing activities around Yanbu city, while the remaining metals might be originated from combined lithogenic and human sources.

Identification of a Green Algal Strain Collected from the Sarno River Mouth (Gulf of Naples, Italy) and Its Exploitation for Heavy Metal Remediation.

Heavy metals (HMs) can induce both chronic and acute harmful effects on marine and freshwater biota. The environmental impact of HMs in freshwater, seawater, soil, and wastewater can be limited using microbes, including microalgae, that are able to remove metals from environmental matrices. Indeed, they can passively adsorb and actively accumulate these persistent pollutants within their organelles, limiting their detrimental effects on cellular metabolism. The Sarno River is a 30 km long freshwater stream located in Southern Italy, polluted by partially untreated municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastewaters. In spite of this, microalgal cultures from Sarno River or Sarno River Mouth have never been established. In the present study, we isolated a green algal strain from the Sarno River Mouth and determined its ability to grow in polluted seawater containing different concentrations of cadmium, lead, or zinc. This strain was found to be able to accumulate these elements within its biomass in a dose-dependent manner. Growth inhibition experiments confirm the relatively low toxicity of Cd and Pb below 50 µM, while algal growth was seriously affected in Zn-amended media. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focused on the ability of microalgae from Sarno River Mouth to tolerate and uptake HMs.

Contamination, Source Apportionment, and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soils Surrounding a Typical Copper Tailings Pond.

Tailings resulting from mining and smelting activities may cause soil heavy-metal pollution and harm human health. To evaluate the environmental impact of heavy metals from tailings on farmland soils in the surrounding area, heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in tailings and farmland soils in the vicinity of a typical copper tailings pond were analyzed. Contamination status, potential sources, and health risks for farmland soils were investigated. The results showed that the tailings contained a high concentration of Cu (1136.23 mg/kg). The concentrations of Cd and Cu in the farmland soils exceeded the soil quality standard. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicated that the soils were moderately polluted by Cu and Cd, and slightly polluted by Ni, Cr, and Zn. The absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model was applied for source apportionment. The results showed that tailings release is the main source of soil heavy-metals contamination, accounting for 35.81%, followed by agricultural activities (19.41%) and traffic emission (16.31%). The health risk assessment suggested that the children in the study region were exposed to non-carcinogenic risks caused by As, while the non-carcinogenic risk to adults and the carcinogenic risk to both adults and children were at acceptable levels. It is necessary to take effective measures to control heavy-metal contamination from tailings releases to protect humans, especially children, from adverse health risks.

Analysis of Surface Water Quality and Sediments Content on Danube Basin in Djerdap-Iron Gate Protected Areas

As water is essential to life and is an indispensable resource for ecosystems and their services and for nearly all human activities, the goal of this research was to evaluate the surface water quality of the Danube as it passes through the Romania–Serbia border in the nature reservations Djerdap and Iron Gate. The study aimed to assess the oxygen regime, nutrients and heavy metals contamination of the surface waters of the Danube on a length of about 240 km, between Bazias and Iron Gate II. Reference sampling and analytical methods (UV-VIS and AAS) were deployed to reach this goal. In addition, sediments were analyzed through back scattered SEM-EDAX for the elemental analysis of the sediment surface. Results obtained show a low environmental impact of heavy metals, while the Danube’s oxygen regime is under stress due to nutrients’ (nitrites and orthophosphates) significant concentration in the Danube surface water in the analyzed sector. Our approach can be applied to other water bodies in the area, to increase available scientific data together with societal awareness of the Danube’s environmental risks.

Olive Processing Industry, How to Avoid or Minimize the Environmental Impact of Heavy Metals (Case Study: Albania)

The development of olive production in Albania is considered as one of the priority branches of agriculture. After the 90s, the number of trees decreased significantly due to the abandonment of non-productive areas, but currently, there is a national plan to increase the planted area. According to forecasts to increase the amount of olives will increase the level of emissions. For this reason, the fate of application processing technologies with minimal impact on the environment should be emphasized. The analysis of these wastes is of interest because they are deposited on agricultural land, reducing productivity and thus affecting the country's economy. This study analyzes the environmental impact of the activity of olive oil processing lines, producing solid waste as secondary and liquid products. A processing plant in Lushnja, Albania was selected for this study. The factory uses 3-phase (3P) processing technology. Samples were taken during the intensive processing period in October-November 2020. Initially, samples were prepared for analysis, determined: number of solids, % of ash, carbon, acidity (pH), and conductivity. Heavy metals were determined at different wavelengths using UV-VIS spectrophotometers. The elements analyzed from the collected samples are K, Na, Mg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu. From the graph, the sample is characterized by increasing order: Pb <Cu <Mg <Fe <Zn <Cd <Na <K.

Environmental impact of heavy metals from means of transport

The article describes and assesses the impact of heavy metals emit-ted by means of transport on the environment. It was presented which of the means of transport emits the most contaminants. The relation between heavy metal emission and toxic impact on the environment was shown, in this context the health risk assessment was also made.

Environmental Impact of Heavy Metals from Poultry Waste Discharged into the Olosuru Stream, Ikire, Southwestern Nigeria

Water supplies can be contaminated by anthropogenic activities. The poultry industry uses a variety of heavy metals as additives in chicken feed, but excretion, runoff and dumping of heavy metals can threaten water bodies and have adverse effects on human health. The aim of the present study was to determine the environmental impact of heavy metals from poultry waste discharged into the Olosuru stream, located in Ikire, southwest Nigeria. In order to study changes in heavy metal loads, samples were collected six times during the wet season (September, October 2014 and April 2015) and dry season (November 2014, January and February 2015). The inhabitants of Olosuru village use water for domestic and agriculture purposes from the Olosuru stream which is located only a few meters from a poultry farm discharge point. Three stations were sampled, upstream to downstream, with 500 meter distance between each point. Selected heavy metals concentrations in the Olosuru stream were all above the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. The highest mean concentrations of heavy metals were recorded at the downstream station, while arsenic, iron and lead showed significant spatial and seasonal differences. Seasonally, the highest iron concentrations were recorded in the dry season (0.104±0.401 mg/L), while the mean concentrations of other heavy metals recorded during the sampling period were higher during the wet season. Concentrations of heavy metals in the present study were above acceptable limits. Poultry waste discharged into the Olosuru stream, can have negative impacts on the stream and health implications for local residents. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Understanding the Weathering Process of Antimony Minerals: Case Study Sb-Mine Sulzburg, Black Forest, Germany

Concerns about heavy metal and metalloid contamination from mine dumps is one of the most intensively discussed issues in society, politics, and academia, because of the levels of pollution, and its toxic properties. During the Middle Ages the Black Forest was one of the most successful mining areas in Southwestern Germany. Historical records show that Sulzburg was a mining town in the Black Forest since the 10th century, but was abandoned in the 19th century. Nowadays this town is considered as an important recreation area in the country. Therefore, soil and water quality and any contamination are of great concern. The purpose of this research was to understand the weathering process and environmental impact of heavy metals and metalloids from the old antimony (Sb) mine sites in Sulzburg. In this study, we examined the mineralogy and whole-rock chemistry and per-formed soil sequential extraction and water chemical analysis around mine sites. The results show that the Sb deposits in Sulzburg contain mixtures of antimony-lead-bearing sulfides and sulfosalts in hydrothermal quartz veins. The primary ore stibnite (Sb2S3) and boulangerite (Pb5Sb4S11) occur associated with pyrite, arsenopyrite, and sphalerite. The whole-rock chemistry of Sb-Mine Sulzburg is characterized by considerable Sb2O3 (4-25 %) and PbO contents (2-7 %). This agrees with the che-mical composition of Sb minerals. Based on soil sequential extraction, toxic elements (Sb, Pb, As) mostly remain in the residual fraction. Comparing the water analysis at and around Sb-mine Sulzburg, Sb concentrations are lower than those of As and Pb for all water samples. This is possible due to the strong affinity of Sb to Fe-oxides-hydroxides and amorphous material and a lower mobi-lity, from the source into water. Based on these findings, we argue that sources of toxic elements and weathering process in Sulzburg are important from the ecotoxicity perspective. Changes in oxidizing or reducing conditions can lead to release and mobilization of Sb, As, and Pb into the environment.

Sediment matrix characterization as a tool for evaluating the environmental impact of heavy metals in metal mining, smelting, and ore processing areas

In this work, the matrix characterization (mineralogy, total and local chemical composition, and total organic (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) contents) of different types of sediments from mining- and metallurgy-influenced areas and the assessment of the impact of the matrix on the association of potentially hazardous metals with the mineral phases of these samples, which affect their mobility in the environment, are presented. For these purposes, sediment samples with different origins and from different locations in the environment were analyzed. Anthropogenic sediments from metal-rich post-flotation tailings (Lintich, Slovakia) represent waste from ore processing, natural river sediments from the Hornád River (Košice, Slovakia) represent areas influenced predominantly by the metallurgical industry, and lake sediments from a water reservoir Ružín (inflow from the Hornád and Hnilec Rivers, Slovakia) represent the impact of the metallurgical and/or mining industries. The total metal contents were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, the local chemical and morphological microanalysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and the TOC and TIC contents by infrared (IR) spectrometry. The mobility/bioavailability of Cu, Pb, and Zn in/from sediments at the studied areas was assessed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and acetic acid (AA) extraction and is discussed in the context of the matrix composition. The contents of selected potentially hazardous elements in the extracts were determined by the high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS).

Trace determination of cadmium in water using anodic stripping voltammetry at a carbon paste electrode modified with coconut shell powder

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing awareness on the environmental impact of heavy metals has increased a considerable interest in the determination of metals in natural water bodies. The present paper describes the development and electrochemical application of carbon paste electrode modified with fibrous part of coconut shell for the determination of cadmium in water samples.MethodsDetermination was carried out using anodic stripping voltammetry. It is a two-step process. First, the metal ions get accumulated at the electrode surface at open-circuit potential, followed by a potential scan for voltammetric determination of cadmium.ResultsDifferent parameters affecting the determination of Cd (II) were optimized and are as follows: HCl as stripping solvent, acetate buffer of pH 5 as accumulating solvent, and 15-min accumulation time. Triton X-100, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and sodium dodecyl sulfate were used as representative for neutral, cationic, and anionic surfactants, respectively, to see the effect of surface active macromolecules. Interference caused by other metal ions on the determination of cadmium was also studied.ConclusionsThe method shows the development of a sensor for the sensitive determination of cadmium with limit of detection at 105 μg L−1. This technique does not use mercury and, therefore, has a positive environmental benefit.

Bioavailability of trace elements in surface sediments from Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

The bioavailability of trace elements in marine sediments from Kongsfjorden (Svalbard Islands, Norwegian Arctic) was assessed and discussed. Total concentrations of several elements were determined in two granulometric fractions and their bioavailability evaluated by both applying a sequential-selective extraction procedure and using a biomimetic approach based on proteolytic enzymes. Total concentration values and solid speciation patterns indicated overall that the anthropogenic impact of trace elements in the investigated area is negligible, although a minor enrichment with respect to crustal values was found for As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and V. Enrichment of trace elements in the <63-μm fraction compared to the coarser one was evident for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni. The evaluation of the bioavailable fractions showed that a large part of the total content of trace elements cannot enter the aquatic food chain and emphasised the risk of overestimating the environmental impact of heavy metals if the assessment is only based on total concentrations.

Multielemental Analysis of Limestone and Soil Samples of Kitui South (Kenya) Limestone Deposits

The results of analysis of heavy metal in limestone and soil samples from the limestone deposit areas of Kitui South, Kenya were reported in this paper. The analysis was carried out to assess the environmental impact of heavy metals in the region and provide necessary data on the extent of their spread that could be used as a basis for monitoring occupational exposure and the and subsequent environmental impact once mining and processing of limestone in the region starts. Limestone and soils were sampled from three major limestone deposit areas in the region of Kituvwi, Mwanyani and Ndulukuni and analyzed for heavy elemental content using 109 Cd radioisotope excited EDXRF spectrometry technique in which sample pellets were directly irradiated. The major elements detected in soils were Ti, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Pb, while in limestone they were; Ti Mn and Zn.

Nanocellulosic fiber-modified carbon paste electrode for ultra trace determination of Cd (II) and Pb (II) in aqueous solution

In recent years, increasing awareness of the environmental impact of heavy metals has prompted a demand for monitoring and decontaminating industrial wastes prior to discharging into natural water bodies. This paper describes the preparation and electrochemical application of carbon paste electrode modified with nanocellulosic fibers for the determination of cadmium and lead in water samples using anodic stripping voltammetry. First, cadmium and lead were adsorbed on the carbon paste electrode surface at open circuit potential, followed by anodic stripping voltammetric scan from -1 to 0 V. Different factors affecting sensitivity and precision of the electrode, including accumulating solvent, pH of the accumulating solvent, accumulation time, supporting electrolyte, and scan rate were investigated. The proposed method was also applied to the determination of Cd (II) and Pb (II) in the presence of other interfering metal ions and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and Triton X-100 as a representative of cationic, anionic, and neutral surfactants. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration ranges of 150-650 μg L(-1) and 80-300 μg L(-1), respectively, for cadmium and lead at an accumulated time of 10 min with limits of detection 88 and 33 μg L(-1). Optimized working conditions are defined as acetate buffer of pH 5 as accumulating solvent, hydrochloric acid as supporting electrolyte, and scan rate 50 mV/s. This technique does not use mercury and therefore has a positive environmental benefit. The method is reasonably sensitive and selective and has been successfully applied to the determination of trace amounts of Cd (II) and Pb (II) in water samples.

Elution behaviour and environmental impact of heavy metals and rare-earth elements from volcanic ashes of Mt. Oyama, Miyake Island

To obtain information on the environmental impact of materials eluted from volcanic ashes of Mt. Oyama, Miyake Island, which erupted in July 2000, the dissolution behaviours of heavy metals and rare-earth elements from the volcanic ashes were examined. The most important characteristic of the Mt. Oyama eruption is that sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas has been continuously released, and all persons living on Miyake Island have been required to evacuate. To estimate in terms of the volcanic eruption using SO2 gas, the ash nature in Mt. Usu, Hokkaido, was also examined and compared with that in Mt. Oyama. When rain water mixed the ashes, the water from the ashes of Mt. Oyama became acidic because of the sulphuric acid. Therefore, SO2 gas in Mt. Oyama can accelerate the dissolution of protons and heavy metals in the ashes, whereas the rain water in Mt. Usu was not acidic and the dissolution of the heavy metals was not so evident compared with that in the case of Mt. Oyama. With this sulphuric acid, heavy metals such as As, Cd, Pb and Hg in the ashes in Mt. Oyama easily dissolved owing to the low pH. The ashes in Mt. Oyama had been released for eight years and the amount of fallen ashes was estimated to be 33 billion tons. The weights of the harmful heavy metals in the volcanic ashes, such as As, Cd, Pb and Hg, were estimated to be 3.8 × 102, 1.3 × 103, 1.1 × 103 and 29 kg, respectively, and these heavy metals were dissolved and diluted in seawater. Therefore, the concentration and species (chemical form) of these metals should be carefully monitored in the future. Moreover, SO2 gas, which has a direct effect on human health and has been monitored continuously, causes other effects, such as facilitation of metal ion elution and rock aeration.

Content, mobility and transfer behavior of heavy metals in MSWI bottom ash in Zhejiang province, China

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash samples were taken from six cities of Zhejiang province, where 1/4 incinerators of China were located. The samples were instrumentally analyzed to detect the content of heavy metals. Sequential extraction procedure (SEP) was adopted to characterize the mobility and environmental impact of heavy metals. And the transfer coefficients of heavy metals from the input MSW to the bottom ash during the incineration were also calculated. It showed that the average content of Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cr in the bottom ash exceeded 300 mg/kg, which was much higher than that in the soils. SEP results showed that although the residue fraction was the primary fraction of the heavy metals in the bottom ash, there were still 1.84 mg of Cd, 86.21 mg of Cu, 83.46 mg of Pb and 939.46 mg of Zn in 1 kg bottom ash having the potential of leaching, which indicated a great threat to the surrounding environment. The result of coefficients calculation revealed that almost all the Cu, Cr, Mn and Ni in the input MSW were transferred to the bottom ash during the incineration. Bottom ash was also the main destination of Cd, Co, As, Mo, Pb and Zn though considerable amounts of those metals were transferred to the raw gas.