title: National survey of elements and radioactivity in municipal incinerator ashes.
abstract: An analytical survey of fly ashes, bottom ashes and mixtures of the two for 36 elements, soluble salts and radioactivity was conducted. The ashes were taken from approximately one-fourth of the municipal solid waste incinerators presently operating in the United States. The concentrations of a number of toxic elements such as As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn in specific ashes were high. The levels of radioactivity were not significant from a health standpoint. A number of ashes were exceedingly high in organic matter, indicating grossly inadequate conditions during incineration. Soluble salt content was appreciable in the ashes. The possible sources of elements in refuse and their behavior and fate during refuse incineration are discussed with respect to their chemical forms and properties and incinerator operating parameters. Variability of metal concentrations in ash with time of sampling and their solubilization in landfills are also considered.
authors.affiliation: Pesticide Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
authors.forename: R O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Mumma
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Raupach
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sahadewan
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Manos
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rutzke
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Kuntz
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bache
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lisk
mesh_terms: D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D060729:Coal Ash; D004602:Elements; D052638:Particulate Matter; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D060729:Coal Ash; D004602:Elements; D052638:Particulate Matter; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants; D002244:Carbon