Assessing the Metal Recovery Value of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Residues: Impact of Pretreatment on Fly Ash and Bottom Ash

Abstract

This paper focuses on evaluating the metal recovery potential of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) residues, with particular emphasis on the influence of pretreatment methods on MSWI fly ash and bottom ash. We assess the effectiveness of these pretreatments in enhancing the concentration of valuable metals and compare the metal content before and after treatment. Our findings reveal that water washing significantly enhances fly ash’s zinc and copper content, surpassing the minimum industrial-grade requirements. Mechanical sieving is an efficient pretreatment method for bottom ash, with the zinc concentration inversely related to particle size. Additionally, copper content peaks in the 1 - 2 mm particle size range for both bottom ash samples. These results provide valuable insights into the potential for metal recovery from MSWI residues. They hold significance for relevant research, engineering practices, and policy formulation.