Metal composition and radioactive activity in bottom ash from waste-to-energy plants: Supporting circular economic development

Khuat Thi Hong; Nguyen Thi Hoa; Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang; Ngo Tra Mai; Nghiem Thi Ha Lien; Van Huu Tap; Bui Minh Hue; Nguyen Duc Toan; Nguyen Dac Truong Giang; Nguyen Duc Hung; Bui Thi Kim Anh; Cu Thi Sang

doi:10.15625/2525-2518/22539

Author affiliations

Authors

Khuat Thi Hong \(^1\) Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
\(^2\) VNU School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts, Vietnam National University, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6730-9444
Nguyen Thi Hoa \(^1\) Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
\(^3\) Thuy Loi University, 175 Tay Son, Kim Lien Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8591-4655
Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang \(^1\) Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
\(^4\) Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2180-2971
Ngo Tra Mai \(^1\) Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
\(^4\) Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5503-2023
Nghiem Thi Ha Lien \(^1\) Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7219-8659
Van Huu Tap \(^5\) Center for Advanced Technology Development, Thai Nguyen University, Tan Thinh, Thai Nguyen, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9584-8383
Bui Minh Hue \(^1\) Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1990-2186
Nguyen Duc Toan \(^1\) Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Nguyen Dac Truong Giang \(^3\) Thuy Loi University, 175 Tay Son, Kim Lien Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
\(^6\) Thang Long Environmental Technology Consulting and Transfer Co., Ltd, 164 Khuat Duy Tien, Thanh Xuan Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1201-3284
Nguyen Duc Hung \(^6\) Thang Long Environmental Technology Consulting and Transfer Co., Ltd, 164 Khuat Duy Tien, Thanh Xuan Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Bui Thi Kim Anh \(^7\) Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Cu Thi Sang \(^2\) VNU School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts, Vietnam National University, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
\(^8\) Electric Power University (EPU), 235 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1191-5947

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/22539

Keywords:

heavy metals, radioactivity, bottom ash, Soc Son waste-to-energy plant

Abstract

Eight bottom ash samples collected from the Soc Son Waste-to-Energy Plant were analyzed to investigate their composition, heavy metal content and radioactive activity, in support of circular economy development aimed at establishing a closed-loop system for municipal solid waste treatment. The structural morphology of the ash samples was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was employed to determine the chemical composition. Heavy metals and hazardous components were identified following the US EPA 1311 and SMEWW 3125B:2012 methods. The radioactive activity of natural isotopes, including ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, was measured using a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometer with low background resolution. The results revealed that the primary components of the bottom ash are SiO₂, CaO, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃, accounting for over 60 %, with the remainder consisting of Na, K oxides and various metals. Leaching tests indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals such as As, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb and other metals were significantly below the thresholds established in QCVN 07:2009/BTNMT. Furthermore, although radioactive isotopes were present in the bottom ash, their natural radioactive activity was low, with all activity levels well within the safety limits specified in QCVN 05:2008/BXD, Viet Nam Construction Standards.

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