Adsorbable Organic Halogens (AOXs) in Solid Residues from Hazardous and Clinical Waste Incineration

Abstract

Trace concentrations of a variety of chemicals remain in solid residues following combustion even in properly designed and operated incinerators. In the present study, the adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) levels of the solid residues, i.e., bottom ash, fly ash, and filter cake, were investigated during a 82-day of continuous operation of a Hazardous and Clinical Waste Incinerator. The distribution of halogens in the waste input prior to the incineration was also determined. The AOX levels measured in bottom ash, fly ash and filter cake were in the range of 0.014-1.879, 0.012-0.263, and 0.004-0.062 mg-Cl(-)/kg, respectively. The AOX levels are significantly low in the fly ash and filter cake due to the post-combustion process in the incinerator. At the end of the 82 days, the total AOX output in the bottom ash, fly ash, and filter cake were 571, 3.71, and 6.26 g, respectively. The partitioning of the total AOX in solid residues was 98.28, 0.64, and 1.08% for the bottom ash, fly ash and filter cake, respectively. This shows that the bottom ash is more contaminated with AOX than the other two residues.

Characterization and hazard evaluation of bottom ash produced from incinerated hospital waste

“…Theoretical and inquiring studies proved that more than 97% of dioxins is present in the ash and not in the flugas of incineration [31][32][33]. In the flying ash the levels of dioxins oscillate between ppt and ppb.…”

Hazardous Waste Assessment, Management, and Minimization

“…Fly ash from a hazardous waste incinerator that handled industrial and medical wastes was sampled and analyzed (Guo et al, 2006). Adsorbable organic halogen levels in residues from the operation of a Hazardous and Clinical waste incinerator were measured and reported as being highest in the bottom ash compared with the fly ash and filter cake residues from the incineration process (Durmusoglu et al, 2006). For characterization purposes of a contaminated soil, a comparison of the differences between hazardous contaminated soil and solid waste classifications were presented (Dermatas et al, 2006a;Dermatas et al, 2006b).…”

A Review on Adsorbable Organic Halogens Treatment Technologies: Approaches and Application

“…The wastes consist of various halogenated solvents (CH 2 Cl 2 , CHCl 3 etc. ), pentachlorophenol [80] and other chemical substances, for example ethidium bromide utilized in laboratory tests [81,82]. Furthermore, the high level of AOI in municipal wastewaters caused by the presence of special X-ray contrast agents based on iodinated organics (diatrizoate and iopromide) has been identified in [43].…”