Waste Incineration Ash Research Articles

Thermal behaviour of ESP ash from municipal solid waste incinerators

Stricter environmental regulations demand safer treatment and disposal of incinerator fly ashes. So far no sound technology or a process is available for a sustainable and ecological treatment of the waste incineration ashes, and only partial treatment is practised for temporary and short-term solutions. New processes and technology need to be developed for comprehensive utilization and detoxification of the municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator residues. To explore the efficiency of thermal stabilisation and controlled vitrification, the thermal behaviour of electrostatic precipitator (ESP) ash was investigated under controlled conditions. The reaction stages are identified with the initial moisture removal, volatilisation, melting and slag formation. At the temperature higher than 1100 °C, the ESP ashes have a quicker weight loss, and the total weight loss reaches up to 52%, higher than the boiler ash. At 1400 °C a salt layer and a homogeneous glassy slag were formed. The effect of thermal treatment on the leaching characteristics of various elements in the ESP ash was evaluated with the availability-leaching test. The leaching values of the vitrified slag are significantly lowered than that of the original ash.

Chemical properties of heavy metals in typical hospital waste incinerator ashes in China.

Incineration has become the main mechanism for hospital waste (HW) disposal in China after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003. However, little information is available on the chemical properties of the resulting ashes. In the present study, 22 HW ash samples, including 14 samples of bottom ash and eight samples of fly ash, were collected from four typical HW incineration plants located across China. Chemical analysis indicated that the HW ashes contained large amounts of metal salts of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na with a concentration range of 1.8–315 g kg−1. Furthermore, the ashes contained high concentrations of heavy metals such as Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, Sb, Sn, Sr, Zn with a vast range of 1.1–121,411 mg kg−1, with higher concentrations found in the fly ash samples. Sequential extraction results showed that Ba, Cr, Ni and Sn are present in the residual fraction, while Cd existed in the exchangeable and carbonate fractions. As, Mn, Zn existed in the Fe–Mn oxide fraction, Pb was present in the Fe–Mn oxide and residual fractions, and Cu was present in the organic matter fraction. Furthermore, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) results indicated that leached amounts of Cd, Cu and Pb from almost all fly ash samples exceeded the USEPA regulated levels. A comparison between the HW ashes and municipal solid waste (MSW) ash showed that both HW bottom ash and fly ash contained higher concentrations of Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ti, and Zn. This research provides critical information for appropriate HW incineration ash management plans.

Model-based prediction of long-term leaching of contaminants from secondary materials in road constructions and noise protection dams

In this study, contaminant leaching from three different secondary materials (demolition waste, municipal solid waste incineration ash, and blast furnace slag) to groundwater is assessed by numerical modeling. Reactive transport simulations for a noise protection dam and a road dam (a typical German autobahn), in which secondary materials are reused as base layers, were performed to predict the breakthrough of a conservative tracer (i.e., a salt) and sorbing contaminants (e.g., PAHs like naphthalene and phenanthrene or heavy metals) at the groundwater table. The dam constructions have a composite architecture with soil covers in inclined layers and distinct contrasts in the unsaturated hydraulic properties of the used materials. Capillary barrier effects result in strong spatial variabilities of flow and transport velocities. Contaminant breakthrough curves at the groundwater table show significant tailing due to slow sorption kinetics and a wide distribution of travel times. While conservative tracer breakthrough depends primarily on subsoil hydraulic properties, equilibrium distribution coefficients and sorption kinetics represent additional controlling factors for contaminant spreading. Hence, the three secondary materials show pronounced differences in the temporal development of leached contaminant concentrations with consequences for breakthrough times and peak concentrations at the groundwater table. Significant concentration reductions due to dispersion occur only if the source concentrations decrease significantly prior to the arrival of the contaminant at the groundwater table. Biodegradation causes significant reduction of breakthrough concentrations only if flow velocities are low.

Application of methods (sequential extraction procedures and high-pressure digestion method) to fly ash particles to determine the element constituents: A case study for BCR 176

Sequential extraction procedures and the high-pressure digestion method were selected to determine the element constituents of fly ash samples. Sequential extraction is one of the most useful methods used to measure the various elements from municipal solid waste incineration ash and contaminated soils. The extract from each step is analyzed using various techniques and equipments, and the results are then evaluated. In this work, a six-step extraction procedure modified from that of Tessier et al. and Wang et al. was performed and applied to the certified reference material BCR 176 (city waste incineration ash). Analyses were carried out by various techniques such as inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) to evaluate the characteristics of fly ash. The extraction efficiency of many elements was higher than 80%, and the relative standard deviations (RSD) for recovery of most elements were within 10%. In addition, an H 2O 2 + HNO 3 + HF mixed acid digestion solution processed using a low-temperature evaporation procedure was selected as the optimal process for fly ash digestion. The results of this work provide information on the chemical composition, distribution, and potential mobility of the investigated elements.

Utilization of municipal solid waste incineration ash in stone mastic asphalt mixture: Pavement performance and environmental impact

The objective of this study is to the use of municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash as a partial replacement of fine aggregate or mineral filler in stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixture. For saving natural rock and reusing solid waste, basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF slag) was used as part of coarse aggregate. And this makes SMA mixtures contain more than 90% solid waste materials by mass. A comparative study of the performance of two mixes designed using superior performance asphalt pavements (SUPERPAVE) and Marshall mix design procedures was carried out in this research. Samples from both mixes were prepared at the design asphalt contents and aggregate gradations and were subjected to a comprehensive mechanical evaluation testing. These tests included Marshall stability, water sensibility, resilient modulus, fatigue life and rutting. In all the performed tests SUPERPAVE mixtures proved their superiority over Marshall mixtures. TCLP test for environmental impact indicated that asphalt is an effective stabilization and solidification agent for heavy metal in MSWI ash. The heavy metal leachates in TCLP tests have great positive correlation with their initial concentration in waste. But Ni is an exception that lower initial concentration leaded to higher cumulative leaching rate.

Properties of clinker-free mortar based on chemically bonded municipal solid waste incinerator ash

The aim of this study was to use municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) ash as a cementitious material and to investigate the hydraulic activity of alkali-activated MSWI ash mortar. The properties of hardened mortar of MSWI ash were investigated under varying chemical activators, curing temperatures and curing ages. Also, reaction products of the alkali-activated MSWI ash mortar were observed, using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The highest compressive strength was 40·5 MPa at 28 days for mortar with NaOH+water glass cured at high temperature (90°C). Major products were found to be compounds in the form of C–S–H and C–A–H gels, which were similar to the hydrates of Portland cement.

Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different types of hospital waste incinerator ashes

Waste ashes from three types of hospital waste (HW) incinerators, built in SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) period and currently running in China, were collected and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) properties in the ashes were investigated. The mean ∑PAH levels in the waste ashes varied widely from 4.16 mg kg − 1 to 198.92 mg kg − 1 , and the mean amounts of carcinogenic PAHs ranged from 0.74 to 96.77 mg kg − 1 , exceeding the limits regulated by several countries. Among the three types of incinerators, two medium-scale incinerators generated relatively high levels of PAHs (mean ∑PAH 22.50 and 198.92 mg kg − 1 ) compared to small-scale and large-scale incinerators (mean ∑PAH 4.16 and 16.43 mg kg − 1 ). Bottom ashes were dominated by low molecular weight PAHs (LM-PAH; containing two- to three-ringed PAHs) and medium molecular weight PAHs (MM-PAH; containing four-ringed PAHs), while fly ashes were abundant in MM-PAH and high molecular weight PAHs (HM-PAH, containing five- to six-ringed PAHs). Statistical analysis indicated that there was a positive relationship ( R 2 = 0.88) between organic matter and total PAHs thus it has the potential to be used as an indicator for PAHs in HW ashes. Moreover, it was found that PAHs in the ashes correlated highly with some metallic elements either positively (e.g. Fe, Ti, Mg) or negatively (Ca), indicating that these elements might promote or prevent PAH formation during HW combustion. Although bottom ash resulted from HW incinerators has not been classified as hazardous material, the results of this study indicated that this type of waste ash contained high levels of PAHs thus need special treatment before landfill.

Preparation and Characterization of Micro-nanoscale MSWI Ash and Their Metal Release on MSW Anaerobic Digestion

This paper investigates the preparation of the micro-nanoscale municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) ashes by using ball mills (PM 100). The physiochemical properties of MSWI ashes such as particle size, mineral compounds and metal content were further characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRPD), X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and induced coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). In addition, titrations were carried out to obtain the potential metal release of MSWI ashes in MSW and distilled water at different pHs. Batch anaerobic digesters were also conducted to test the MSWI ash as catalyst in the co-digestion process of MSW and MSWI ashes. Results showed that micro-nanoscale size of MSWI ashes could be obtained by ball mill grinding and was verified by EDS analysis and laser particle size analyzer although some agglomeration phenomenon were found. Metals releases were found higher with pHs lower than 3. Gas accumulation in the batch anaerobic digesters also showed that suitable ratios of MSWI ash addition was found to show beneficial effects, however, higher than a critical amount of MSWI ash was found to exert a detrimental effects on anaerobic digestion.

Structure and Properties of <sup>137</sup>Cs Containing Waste Glass

Vitrification has been recognized as the best method of the neutralization and immobilization of the radioactive and toxic wastes. Toxic elements are introduced into the structure of chemically durable glasses (waste glasses). Radioactive 137Cs is a dangerous contaminant of hospital and laboratory wastes. Incineration of these waste followed by vitrification of the ashes by co-melting them with borosilicate glass is a prospective method of immobilization of 137Cs for safety waste storage. The influence of partial substitution of Na by Cs and introduction of CaO as the main component of the hospital waste incineration ash on the structure, crystallization ability, and physical properties of SiO2-B2O3 -Al2O3-Na2O glass was studied. It was established that due to crystallochemical differences between Cs+ and Na+ as the glass structure modifiers, in the presence of even a relatively small amount of Cs2O (5 mass %) the degree of polymerization of the glass network and its stability increases which means, simultaneously the increase of the chemical durability of the glass. On the other hand above glass transformation temperature (Tg), cesium acts as the strong depolymeriser of network, increasing the tendency for crystallization of the basic glass. It becomes incorporated into the structure of the newly formed crystal phases such as the chemically resistant aluminosilicates (pollucite, nepheline).

Cytotoxicity of municipal solid waste incinerator ash wastes toward mammalian kidney cell lines

In this study, three municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) ash wastes—bottom ash, scrubber residue, and baghouse ash—were extracted using a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) extractant. These so-called final TCLP extracts were applied to African green monkey kidney cells (Vero), baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21), and pig kidney cells (PK-15), multi-well absorption reader analysis was performed to test how the cytotoxicity of the incineration ashes would affect the digestive systems of animals. Ion-coupled plasma analyses indicated that the baghouse ash extract possessed the highest pH and heavy metal concentration, its cytotoxicity was also the highest. In contrast, the bottom ash and the scrubber residue exhibited very low cytotoxicities. The cytotoxicities of mixtures of baghouse ash and scrubber residue toward the three tested cell lines increased as the relative ratio of the baghouse ash increased, especially for the Vero cells. The slight cytotoxicity of the scrubber residue arose mainly from the presence of Cr species, whereas the high cytotoxicity of the baghouse ash resulted from its high content of heavy metals and alkali ions. In addition, it appears that the dissolved total organic carbon content of these ash wastes can reduce the cytotoxicity of ash wastes that collect in animal cells.

Studying the melting behaviour of fly ash from the incineration of MSW using viscosity and heated stage XRD data

The purpose of the present study has been to investigate the melting behaviour of fly ashes from the incineration of MSW (municipal solid waste). Four fly ash samples from the Svendborg WtE (waste-to-energy) plant (2nd–3rd pass, super-heater, economizer, ESP), in Denmark, have been investigated, by use of a high-temperature rotational viscometer in order to determine the rheology of the ash material, and by a hot-stage XRD in order to identify phase changes and transformations during the heating and cooling of the ash samples. Knowledge of the ash melting properties as well as phase changes and transformations may lead to a more appropriate control of the plant, in order to minimize ash deposit build-up and corrosion of the heat transfer surfaces. The current data provide an accurate quantification of the melting and rheological properties of waste incineration ash and their use will be an effective tool to reduce deposition, and corrosion problems in waste incinerators as a function of operating temperature.

Chemical properties of rare earth elements in typical medical waste incinerator ashes in China

Medical waste (MW) ashes from different types of MW incinerators were examined to detect the characteristics and environmental impact of rare earth elements (REEs). The results showed that total REE contents in the ash samples ranged from 10.2 to 78.9 mg/kg. REEs in bottom ash were apparently higher than those in fly ash. Average REE contents in the ashes followed the sequence of Ce > La > Nd > Y > Gd > Pr > Sm > Dy > Er > Yb > Ho > Eu > Tb > Lu > Tm. Some of the elements, such as Sm, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb in the ash samples were in normal or nearly normal distribution, but Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Lu were not normally distributed, indicating some of the ash samples were enriched with these elements. Crust-normalized REE patterns indicated that two types of the MW ashes were obviously enriched with Gd and La. Sequential extraction results showed that REEs in the ash mainly presented as residual fraction, while exchangeable and carbonate fractions were relatively low. DTPA- and EDTA-extraction tests indicated that REEs in the MW ashes were generally in low bioavailability.

Development of Inorganic Binder with MSWI Ash

Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator (below MSWI) ash is used to develop inorganic binder for preparing geopolymer concrete in this study. Toxic substituents, such as heavy metals are de-toxificated by above-mentioned new solidity technique. Slag and coal fly ash are used as active filler to enhance compressive strength. MSWI ash was mixed with slag and coal fly ash to make geopolymer concrete. They were solidified under alkali condition and dried at 50°C and 80°C, respectively. Compressive strength was measured to evaluate the characteristics of specimens for the period of 3, 7 and 14 days. Compressive strength measurements show a maximum strength of almost 13.7 MPa after 14 days. The mineral phases of specimen were analyzed by XRD. And the morphology was analyzed by the photo of SEM. The micro-structure of inorganic binder prepared was analyzed by FTIR. Korea Standard leaching Test (KSLT) and TCLP method are used to the environmental safety of inorganic binder. Raw FA measured concentrations of Cu and Pb were 0.30 ppm and 28.31 ppm, respectively. Leaching amounts of heavy metal were noticeably reduced after the solidification of MSWI as with active filler. It is possible to de-toxificate MSWI ash by new solidity techniques. And it may be used as alternative concrete.

Spectrophotometric determination of inorganic mercury (II) after preconcentration of its diphenylthiocarbazone complex on a cellulose column

A simple and a relatively green methodology have been developed for the preconcentration of mercury based on the adsorption of its diphenylthiocarbazone complex on a cellulose column. The effects of various parameters such as effect of acidity, eluting agents, stability of the column, sample volume, interfering ions, etc. have been studied in detail. The adsorbed complex could be easily desorbed using environmentally benign polyethylene glycol-400 and the concentration of mercury was determined using visible spectrophotometry. The calibration graph was linear in the range 0–2 μg mL −1 of mercury with a detection limit of 2 μg L −1 and the validity of the proposed method was checked by studying the recovery of mercury in spiked tap water, well water and sea water samples. The highest preconcentration factor achieved for quantitative recovery (>95%) of mercury (II) was 33 for a 500 mL sample volume. The method was also applied to the analysis of mercury content in city waste incineration ash (CRM176). The relative standard deviation of the method was found to be 3.5%.

Determination of mercury in ash and soil samples by oxygen flask combustion method–Cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS)

A simple method was developed for the determination of mercury (Hg) in coal fly ash (CFA), waste incineration ash (WIA), and soil by use of oxygen flask combustion (OFC) followed by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS). A KMnO 4 solution was used as an absorbent in the OFC method, and the sample containing a combustion agent and an ash or soil sample was combusted by the OFC method. By use of Hg-free graphite as the combustion agent, the determination of Hg in ash and soil was successfully carried out; the Hg-free graphite was prepared by use of a mild pyrolysis procedure at 500 °C. For six certified reference materials (three CFA samples and three soil samples), the values of Hg obtained by this method were in good agreement with the certified or reference values. In addition, real samples including nine CFAs collected from some coal-fired power plants, five WIAs collected from waste incineration plants, and two soils were analyzed by the present method, and the data were compared to those from microwave-acid digestion (MW-AD) method.

Multiple-scale dynamic leaching of a municipal solid waste incineration ash

Predicting the impact on the subsurface and groundwater of a pollutant source, such as municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration ash, requires a knowledge of the so-called "source term". The source term describes the manner in which concentrations in dissolved elements in water percolating through waste evolve over time, for a given percolation scenario (infiltration rate, waste source dimensions, etc.). If the source term is known, it can be coupled with a model that simulates the fate and transport of dissolved constituents in the environment of the waste (in particular in groundwater), in order to calculate potential exposures or impacts. The standardized laboratory upward-flow percolation test is generally considered a relevant test for helping to define the source term for granular waste. The LIMULE project (Multiple-Scale Leaching) examined to what extent this test, performed in very specific conditions, could help predict the behaviour of waste at other scales and for other conditions of percolation. Three distinct scales of percolation were tested: a laboratory upward-flow percolation column (30 cm), lysimeter cells (1-2 m) and a large column (5 m) instrumented at different depths. Comparison of concentration data collected from the different experiments suggests that for some non-reactive constituents (Cl, Na, K, etc.), the liquid versus solid ratio (L/S) provides a reasonable means of extrapolating from one scale to another; if concentration data are plotted versus this ratio, the curves coincide quite well. On the other hand, for reactive elements such as chromium and aluminium, which are linked by redox reactions, the L/S ratio does not provide a means of extrapolation, due in particular to kinetic control on reactions. Hence extrapolation with the help of coupled chemistry-transport modelling is proposed.

Improvement of receptor model use in analytical aspect

In this study, four certified particle standards including NIST SRM 1648 urban particulate matter, BCR Reference Material No. 176 city waste incineration ash, NIST SRM 2709 San Joaquin soil, and NIST SRM 1633b coal fly ash were used to simulate ambient particulate matter. Twenty-five samples were prepared with the four certified particulate standards. A total of 23 elements were analyzed per sample, 19 by ICP-AES and ICP-MS, three by IC, and one element, Si, by spectrophotometer. Results showed that combining the three IC-analyzed ionic species with the 19 ICP-AES/MS analyzed elements into the CMB model did not improve the source identification significantly. In addition, when all 23 analyzed chemical species per sample were used in the CMB model, they were still not good enough to effectively make the parameters of the CMB model fit the statistical criteria. Some of high variation and low recovery chemical species, i.e. Cd, V, Sb, etc., may have caused poor CMB model simulation. Omitting some poor quality analyzed species (such as relative analysis error >20%) could improve the CMB model simulation. Therefore, high quality chemical species data are important for the CMB model. In addition, co-linearity of source profiles also affects the CMB model; combining the co-linear sources could enhance the solubility of the CMB model. In this study, a two-step procedure was developed for CMB model simulation to improve source identification.

Recycling MSWI bottom and fly ash as raw materials for Portland cement

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash is rich in heavy metals and salts. The disposal of MSWI ash without proper treatment may cause serious environmental problems. Recently, the local cement industry in Taiwan has played an important role in the management of solid wastes because it can utilize various kinds of wastes as either fuels or raw materials. The objective of this study is to assess the possibility of MSWI ash reuse as a raw material for cement production. The ash was first washed with water and acid to remove the chlorides, which could cause serious corrosion in the cement kiln. Various amounts of pre-washed ash were added to replace the clay component of the raw materials for cement production. The allowable limits of chloride in the fly ash and bottom ash were found to be 1.75% and 3.50% respectively. The results indicate that cement production can be a feasible alternative for MSWI ash management. It is also evident that the addition of either fly ash or bottom ash did not have any effect on the compressive strength of the clinker. Cement products conformed to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) of Type II Portland cement with one exception, the setting time of the clinker was much longer.

Solid phase extraction and spectrophotometric determination of mercury by adsorption of its diphenylthiocarbazone complex on an alumina column

A simple method has been developed for the preconcentration of mercury based on the adsorption of its diphenylthiocarbazone complex on a neutral alumina column. The influence of acidity, eluting agents, stability of the column, sample volume and interfering ions has been investigated in detail. The adsorbed complex could be eluted using environmentally benign polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) and the concentration of mercury was determined by visible spectrophotometry at a wavelength maximum of 520 nm. A detection limit of 4 μg L −1 could be achieved and the developed procedure was successfully applied for the determination of mercury in spiked water samples and city waste incineration ash (CRM176). The preconcentration factor attainable for quantitative recovery (>95%) of mercury(II) was 100 for a 1000 mL sample volume.

Synthesis of Fast Proton Conductor from Waste Incineration Ash

Synthesis of Fast Proton Conductor from Waste Incineration Ash