Influence of Biomass Incineration Temperature on the Content of Selected Heavy Metals in the Ash Used for Fertilizing Purposes

Abstract

This article presents the influence of ash-forming temperature on ash content and the content of selected heavy metals. The biomasses most commonly used in low-power heating boilers, such as miscant, oak, pine, sunflower husk, wheat straw and willow, were selected for the research. The biomass was incinerated at temperatures of 600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C, 900 °C and 1000 °C, using the X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) for the measurement of element content. The results show that the content of heavy metals in the examined ash was not excessive and could not be considered as potentially dangerous. As the ash-forming temperature increased, the content of Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb decreased, which indicates that, at higher temperatures, they went into the gas phase. Cr, Ni and Fe were thermally stable and less volatile, thus the ashes were enriched with them as the ash-forming temperature increased.

Residual Agroforestry Biomass–Thermochemical Properties

“…In forest wastes group, the Pinus pinaster wood is noteworthy which always has the lowest values of mineral nutrients, followed by Eucalyptus globulus wood. These values agree with the values presented by Telmo et al [30] for Pinus pinaster wood, as well as by Cuiping et al [7] and Jazac et al [10] for other Pinus sp. wood, and within the ranges defined in CEN/TS 14961 [39] Standard.…”

“…It is also verified that the values of Mn for Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus pinaster woody are similar to the values reported by Telmo et al [30] and still lower than the values presented by Viana et al [5] and Jazac et al [10].…”

“…For the forest residues, in general the values of trace elements are within the range defined by Vassilev et al, [8] and lower than obtained by Jazec et al [10].…”

“…The ash content of biomass affects both the handling and processing costs of the overall biomass energy conversion [7], as well as it significantly reduces the energy efficiency obtained from a specific source of biomass. [10].…”

Energy and Emission Characteristics of Biowaste from the Corn Grain Drying Process

“…Two basic aspects related to biomass combustion are the extension and improvement of basic knowledge on the composition and properties of biomass ashes and the use of this knowledge for innovative and sustainable use [57]. Inorganic matter and some elements forming ash from biomass can cause numerous technological and environmental problems during biomass processing [58].…”