VOLTAMMETRIC METHODS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF HEAVY-METALS IN DOMESTIC WASTE AND COMPOST PRODUCED FROM IT

Methods of sampling an preparation of waste and compost samples for an alysis are described. A voltammetric method has been used for the dete rmination of the contents of toxic heavy metals (one of the most impor tant criterion for compost quality evaluation) in domestic waste and i n compost produced from it. A novel method was proposed for the UV min eralisation of water extracts obtained during leaching of waste and co mpost samples. Copper, lead, zinc and cadmium were determined in wet-d igested samples of domestic waste, compost and its extracts by anodic stripping voltammetry. Nickel and cobalt were determined by adsorption voltammetry. The determination of five metals in one sample over a wi de range of concentrations and the low cost of the apparatus used are the main advantages of the analytical method described. This has been shown by the determination of the metals in fractions of domestic wast e, in compost produced of that waste and in compost mixed with sewage sludge. Special attention has been paid to investigations of the mobil isation of metals from waste and compost during the leaching test.