Characterization of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals from MSW incineration plant in Harbin

The characterization of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals in the flue gas and fly ash of Harbin municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plant, located in the northeast of China, was investigated in this study. The MSW was treated in a twin internal fluidized (TIF) bed incinerator. The results indicate that the emission of PCDD/Fs into the environment is 0.02 ng I-TEQ/m³ and the level of PCDD/Fs in the fabric filter fly ash is 0.7982 ng I-TEQ/g. The leachability levels of Pb, Cd and Hg in the fly ash are below the limits of environmental protection standard in China. However, the contents of Cu, Zn, and Hg are high in the fly ash. This suggests that the fly ash is a hazardous waste that requires special treatment and disposal. The practice of more than four years of operation shows that the TIF bed incinerator is very suitable and practical for China.