Characterization, decontamination and health effects of fly ash from waste incinerators

Journal Article · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Environmental Progress

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.670170417· OSTI ID:318622

Lee, P H; Delay, I; Nasserzadeh, V; Swithenbank, J; McLeod, C; Argent, B B ^[1]; Goodfellow, J ^[2]

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1. Sheffield Univ. (United Kingdom)
2. Dyson-Hotwork Limited, Dewsbury (United Kingdom)

The aims of the present work are (a) to investigate the physical and chemical properties of incinerator ash which are of importance for its utilization and environmental impact; (b) to evaluate the occupational exposure of incinerator workers to trace metals; and (c) to develop a novel technology for the conversion of contaminated fly-ash from incinerators into a material which can be disposed of cheaply or used in the construction industry. The discussion is illustrated by results obtained through experiments. Morphologically, fly-ash consists of irregularly shaped material, of widely varying sizes. Some minerals are identified using powder X-ray diffraction, i.e., calcite, pyrite, halite and maghemite. The chemical composition of ash samples examined consist of Ca, Al, Si, K, Ti, Mg, Fe, K, Na and Mn as the major and minor elements. Trace elements such as Pb, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Se, Mo and Cd are also found. The samples tested are rich in Cl, Cr, Zn, Sn, and Pb, as compared to the earth`s crust values. About 50% of the fly-ash particles are smaller than 5.5 {micro}m. These particles can play an important role in transferring toxic metals into the human blood stream by inhalation, deposition and absorption.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 318622
• Journal Information: Environmental Progress, Journal Name: Environmental Progress Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 17; ISSN 0278-4491; ISSN ENVPDI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FLY ASH
HEALTH HAZARDS
INCINERATORS
METALS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION