Comparative Assessment of the Content of Heavy Metals in the Ash of Solid Fuel Pellets and Different Types of Sorted and Unsorted Solid Domestic Waste

Abstract

The research was aimed at evaluating the content of heavy metals in the ash of solid fuel pellets and various types of sorted and unsorted solid household waste. It highlighted the growing challenge of solid waste disposal and the potential of waste-to-energy technologies, and emphasized the importance of understanding the composition of fly ash due to its potential hazards. The research method involved the analysis of urban waste samples and their comparison with solid fuel pellets. The main findings revealed differences in chemical composition, with special emphasis on the presence and concentration of heavy metals. The highest concentrations of metal ions such as copper, strontium and lead were recorded in rubber, unsorted garbage and plastic. In the mixture of household waste of the Rybny landfill, such elements as: copper (Cu) – 0.141%, strontium (Sr) – 0.061%, and lead (Pb) –- 0.016%. Studies show that Zn, Cu, Sr, Pb are the main threats in solid waste ash. Given the potential danger of these elements, the ash generated after incineration of solid household waste requires special handling and disposal (Retrieved, 2018, Perfect Publishing, 2015).