Critical Elements in Incinerator Bottom Ash from Solid Waste Thermal Treatment Plant

Monika Chuchro () and Barbara Bielowicz
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Monika Chuchro: Department of Geoinformatics and Applied Computer Science, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environment Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Barbara Bielowicz: Department of Geology of Mineral Deposits and Mining Geology, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environment Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-20

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of bottom ash samples generated during municipal waste incineration. A total of 52 samples were collected and subjected to statistical analysis for 17 elements and 2 element sums using techniques such as correlation analysis and one-way ANOVA. The results confirm a high degree of heterogeneity in the elemental content, reflecting the variability of waste streams and combustion processes. Strong correlations were identified between certain elements, including Cu-Zn, Co-Ni, and HREE-LREE, indicating common sources and similar geochemical properties. The analysis also revealed significant seasonal variability in the content of Ba and Sr, with lower average values observed during the spring season and greater variability noted during summer and winter. Although Al and HREE did not reach classical significance levels, their distributions suggest possible seasonal differentiation. These findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring and seasonal analysis of incineration bottom ash composition to optimize resource recovery processes and assess environmental risk. The integration of chemical data with operational data on waste composition and combustion parameters may contribute to a better understanding of the variability of individual elements, ultimately supporting the development of effective strategies for ash management and element recovery.

Keywords: critical elements; solid waste thermal treatment plant; correlation analysis; incineration bottom ash (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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