The chemical fractions and leaching of heavy metals in ash from medical waste incineration using two different sequential extraction procedures

Abstract

The paper presents the chemical fractions and leaching of the heavy metals in the bottom and filter ashes from the incineration of medical waste by two comparative methods of sequential extraction and by Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure test (TCLP). The BCR classic method has higher extraction percentages than proposed modified BCR method. In both ashes, the metals are predominantly bounded in F1 (exchangeable) and F2 (iron and manganese oxides) fractions. Due to the high content of metals in filter ash, representing over 17,000 mg/kg dry matter for Zn, 7,000 mg/kg dry matter for Pb, and 1,400 mg/kg dry matter for Cr and Cu in F1 and F2 fractions, a special attention should be given to the management and storage of this waste.