STUDIES OF INCINERATOR ASHES AND ENVIRONMENTAL-EFFECTS USING RADIOANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

We have studied solid waste incinerator ashes to understand the leachi ng mechanism and speciation of toxic and other elements in them. Leach ing media, such as water and acetate buffer, at various pHs were used. Incinerator ashes generally contain concentrations of many toxic elem ents, such as Cd, As, Hg, and Se. These elements are leached out rathe r easily. Many of the elements are leached within the first few minute s to an hour, and the majority of the elements reach peak equilibrium concentrations within 200 h. The pH and nature of the leaching medium are important factors in the leaching of the elements.