Investigation on the emission factors and removal efficiencies of heavy metals from MSW incinerators in Taiwan

Abstract

Two large-scale municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) equipped with different air pollution control devices (APCDs) were selected for conducting flue gas sampling and determination of heavy metals emissions including lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium, copper and mercury. In addition, the emission characteristics and removal efficiencies of heavy metals were evaluated via simultaneous sampling of flue gas upstream and downstream of APCDs. The average removal efficiency of particulate matter was 99.47%, and the removal efficiency of heavy metals could reach 95% or higher (except for Hg) for MWI-A. Preliminary results indicated that the average removal efficiency of particulate matter was 99.94%, and the removal efficiency of heavy metals could reach 98% or higher (except for Hg) for MWI-B. The average removal efficiencies of Hg for MWI-A and MWI-B were 47% and 30% respectively. The removal efficiencies achieved with existing APCDs were close to that reported in the US EPA document (AP-42) for MWIs. The average concentrations of heavy metals and particulate matter emitted from stack could meet current emission standards in Taiwan for both MWIs, but particulate matter, Pb and Cd concentrations of MWI-A were higher than the current emission regulations in Germany and the Netherlands.

Determination of Different Trace Heavy Metals in Ground Water of South West Bank/Palestine by ICP/MS

“…In addition to the leachate of landfills, un-controlled burning (incineration) of solid wastes in illegal waste dumping sites and landfills may also results in the contamination of groundwater with heavy metals. The most publicized concerns from environmentalists about the incineration of municipal solid wastes involve the fear that it produces significant amounts of emissions in their ash and flue gases including heavy metals [35]. Fly ash generated from waste incineration is usually contaminated with heavy metals and other dangerous substances and have to be treated as a hazardous residue.…”

Heavy metal vaporization and abatement during thermal treatment of modified wastes

“…The limits in landfill sites, the growing amount of such wastes, the increasing disposal costs and the ever more stringent regulations have stimulated efforts to improve the efficiency and acceptability of the incineration technology through flue gas treatments and fly ash detoxification by water-washing followed by a sintering treatment [1]. Emission factors and removal efficiencies of heavy metals have been investigated [2] and the kinetics of heavy metal release during waste incineration were studied in the laboratory [3]. Heavy metals emission from solid waste combustion results primarily from the vaporization of elements during the combustion process.…”

Characteristics of elements in waste ashes from a solid waste incinerator in Taiwan

“…Generally the fraction vaporized from the combustion bed-40% for Pb, 82% for Cd, 50% for Zn and 10% for Cr-is based on the thermodynamic study [26]. The distribution of heavy metals in incineration residues may have been affected by various factors including furnace type, capacity, and temperature, as well as waste compositions [27]. In general, a large furnace has an advantage in obtaining stable combustion because of its relative insensitivity to the fluctuation of the waste feed.…”