Characterization of Fly Ashes from Two Chinese Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators

In China, the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration fly ashes is expected to increase significantly in the future. Because of ever-increasing generation rates and the concentrations of potentially hazardous heavy metals, these fly ashes are of particular concern. Thus, such issues have necessitated the study of the characterization of the fly ashes. A detailed characterization of two samples of fly ashes, collected from two types of national MSW incinerators, was carried out in terms of chemical composition, morphology, mineralogy, and leaching behavior. Results of chemical analysis and leaching tests suggested that they should be classified as hazardous wastes and should be properly managed. Therefore, the results of this characterization would contribute to the development of adequate waste management strategies.