title: Studies of incinerator ashes and environmental effects using radioanalytical techniques.
abstract: We have studied solid waste incinerator ashes to understand the leaching mechanism and speciation of toxic and other elements in them. Leaching media, such as water and acetate buffer, at various pHs were used. Incinerator ashes generally contain concentrations of many toxic elements, such as Cd, As, Hg, and Se. These elements are leached out rather easily. Many of the elements are leached within the first few minutes to an hour, and the majority of the elements reach peak equilibrium concentrations within 200 h. The pH and nature of the leaching medium are important factors in the leaching of the elements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Krishnan
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Jervis
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Vela
mesh_terms: D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis*; D003031:Coal / Q000032:analysis*; D060729:Coal Ash; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D017745:Incineration; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D009501:Neutron Activation Analysis; D052638:Particulate Matter; D012037:Refuse Disposal
chemical_list: D003031:Coal; D060729:Coal Ash; D007220:Industrial Waste; D052638:Particulate Matter; D002244:Carbon