Investigation on the emission factors and removal efficiencies of heavy metals from MSW incinerators in Taiwan

Moo Been Chang, Chuan Hsiung Jen, Hsiu Tung Wu, Hsin Yi Lin

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10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two large-scale municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) equipped with different air pollution control devices (APCDs) were selected for conducting flue gas sampling and determination of heavy metals emissions including lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium, copper and mercury. In addition, the emission characteristics and removal efficiencies of heavy metals were evaluated via simultaneous sampling of flue gas upstream and downstream of APCDs. The average removal efficiency of particulate matter was 99.47%, and the removal efficiency of heavy metals could reach 95% or higher (except for Hg) for MWI-A. Preliminary results indicated that the average removal efficiency of particulate matter was 99.94%, and the removal efficiency of heavy metals could reach 98% or higher (except for Hg) for MWI-B. The average removal efficiencies of Hg for MWI-A and MWI-B were 47% and 30% respectively. The removal efficiencies achieved with existing APCDs were close to that reported in the US EPA document (AP-42) for MWIs. The average concentrations of heavy metals and particulate matter emitted from stack could meet current emission standards in Taiwan for both MWIs, but particulate matter, Pb and Cd concentrations of MWI-A were higher than the current emission regulations in Germany and the Netherlands.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)218-224
Number of pages7
JournalWaste Management and Research
Volume21
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2003

Keywords

  • APCD (air pollution control devices)
  • Emission factor
  • Heavy metals
  • MSW (municipal solid waste)
  • MWI (municipal waste incinerator)
  • Removal efficiency
  • Wmr 469-4.

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