Investigation on the emission factors and removal efficiencies of heavy metals from MSW incinerators in Taiwan.
Two large-scale municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) equipped with different air pollution control devices (APCDs) were selected for conducting flue gas sampling and determination of heavy metals emissions including lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium, copper and mercury. In addition, the emission characteristics and removal efficiencies of heavy metals were evaluated via simultaneous sampling of flue gas upstream and downstream of APCDs. The average removal efficiency of particulate matter was 99.47%, and the removal efficiency of heavy metals could reach 95% or higher (except for Hg) for MWI-A. Preliminary results indicated that the average removal efficiency of particulate matter was 99.94%, and the removal efficiency of heavy metals could reach 98% or higher (except for Hg) for MWI-B. The average removal efficiencies of Hg for MWI-A and MWI-B were 47% and 30% respectively. The removal efficiencies achieved with existing APCDs were close to that reported in the US EPA document (AP-42) for MWIs. The average concentrations of heavy metals and particulate matter emitted from stack could meet current emission standards in Taiwan for both MWIs, but particulate matter, Pb and Cd concentrations of MWI-A were higher than the current emission regulations in Germany and the Netherlands.
Chang
Moo Been
MB
Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Central University, Chungli, Taiwan 320, ROC. mbchang@ncuen.ncu.edu.tw
Jen
Chuan Hsiung
CH
Wu
Hsiu Tung
HT
Lin
Hsin Yi
HY
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005060:Europe; D017745:Incineration; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010316:Particle Size; D012037:Refuse Disposal
D000393:Air Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy