Bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration: composition, leaching of heavy metals, treatment, possibilities of application and permissibility of burial

The most important problem that arises when handling bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration, due to possible environmental pollution, is considered. The composition, chemical properties and mineralogy of bottom ash are presented. Issues of pollutant leaching from bottom ash, leaching testing methods, and predictive modelling are considered. Heavy metals as the most hazardous pollutants for the environment have been studied. The role of pH and dissolved organic carbon in leaching heavy metals is described. Methods for processing bottom ash to reduce environmental impact, the possibilities of using slag and regulatory restrictions are presented.