Toxicologie environnementale et analytique

Elution of Metals from Fused Slags Produced from General Garbage

Abstract

Jun Kobayashi, Keiichi Ikeda and Hideo Sugiyama

The reuse of fused slags obtained by treatment of incineration ash produced during the disposal of city garbage or sewage sludge as building materials such as bricks is attracting attention. In this study, we performed elution tests and investigated the physical properties and metal contents of such materials to establish their safety during use. We examined the physical and chemical characteristics of ten slags, which were produced using various methods. A check of the physical properties showed that there were no problems, and we concluded that reuse is possible. Tests showed that elution of toxic metals was low when water was used as the eluent. However, when acid and alkali were used, metal elution increased. Analysis of the eluates showed that arsenic was not eluted from any of the slags tested, and that high concentrations of manganese were present in all the slags.