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U.S. Department of Energy
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Analysis of treated sludges and associated leachates from coal-conversion facilities

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6060717

Because of the relatively large volume of solid waste which will be generated by future coal conversion facilities, adequate assessment of environmental consequences will be necessary when considering disposal options. The classification of a solid waste as to degree of hazard involves the qualitative and quantitative analysis of potentially toxic materials in the waste and, subsequently, determination of the mobility of these materials in the environment. This work has focused on the development of analytical methods for organic compounds in coal conversion solid wastes as well as the development of procedures for assessing the mobility of these compounds in the environment. Analytical methods for solid wastes and sludges may be divided into two categories: (a) extraction of organics from the sample, and (b) determination of the individual components in the extract. The method of extraction is crucial to the reliability of the analytical data. Methods such as Soxhlet extraction (1), ultrasonic extraction (2), steam distillation (3), and three-phase extraction systems have been used for the analysis of target compounds in solid wastes. All have limitations, in terms of recovery and/or discrimination of certain classes of compounds. None are capable of recovering volatile components. Determination of the individual components of the extracts - once obtained - can be made by any of several well established techniques: open-tubular GC, GC/MS, HPLC, etc. Assessing the mobility of organic components of solid wastes requires the analysis of low-boiling constituents which might be mobilized into the atmosphere. The analysis of aqueous leachates of the solid waste, which contain possible water contaminants, is also necessary.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
6060717
Report Number(s):
CONF-810813-14; ON: DE82001488
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English