Accelerated carbonation of municipal solid waste incineration residues

Incineration can reduce the mass and volume of municipal waste significantly but produces solid waste in the form of bottom ash and air pollution control (APC) residues. Landfill is currently the most commonly used disposal option for these ash residues, however, the impact of hazardous compounds in these wastes on the environment during landfilling is becoming more widely appreciated and cheaper, alternative, management options need to be explored. In this research, the treatment of these municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) residues by accelerated carbonation is investigated and compared with naturally aged ashes. Both bottom ash and APC residues were carbonated in an atmosphere composed of gaseous CO2. It was found that the carbonation of calcium oxides/hydroxides resulted in the rapid formation of calcium carbonate and that silicate compounds were hydrated. The reduction of pH from 12-12.5 to 7-9 observed upon carbonation was associated with a reduction in availability of soluble salts and meals. Carbonated ash had a higher buffering capacity to acid attack when compared to the untreated, non-carbonated, ash. The bottom and APC ashes sequestrated between 6% and 13% CO2 (w/w dry weight), respectively upon carbonation; and this may be important where the reduction of greenhouse emissions to the atmosphere is concerned.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo