Metal correlation analysis of elemental distribution line profiles in fly ash generated from fluidized bed thermal treatment of municipal solid waste incineration

Incineration is mostly used to treat Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in Japan. Around 80% from total MSW are treated by incinerator. Bottom ash and fly ash are the main secondary pollutant generated from incinerators. MSW incineration fly ash is categorized as hazardous waste due to high concentration of leachable toxic heavy metals and the presence of toxic organic compounds. Therefore, fly ash should be treated before its final disposal in landfill. MSWI fly ash is fine particles and has been regarded as homogeneous in numerous previous researches. However, it has not been proved based on sufficient micro-analysis. We need further research about micro characteristic of MSWI fly ash regarded heterogeneous particles and correlation between particles in fly ash MSW incinerator. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate the metal correlation of elemental distribution line profile analysis in fly ash particles from fluidized bed incinerator. Iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti) were detected in higher concentrations than other particles based on elemental mapping measurement using SEM-EDX. Correlation analysis of elemental distribution line profile analysis by SEM-EDX could detect crystalline and non-crystalline metal species in the surface of fly ash particles, which could not be identified in XRD.