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Radiometrical and physico-chemical characterisation of contaminated glass waste from a glass dump in Sweden.
- Source :
-
Chemosphere . Feb2020, Vol. 241, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Around former glass factories in south eastern Sweden, there are dozens of dumps whose radioactivity and physico-chemical properties were not investigated previously. Thus, radiometric and physico-chemical characteristics of waste at Madesjö glass dump were studied to evaluate pre-recycling storage requirements and potential radiological and environmental risks. The material was sieved, hand-sorted, leached and scanned with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). External dose rates and activity concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials from 238U, 232Th series and 40K were also measured coupled with a radiological risk assessment. Results showed that the waste was 95% glass and dominated by fine fractions (<11.3 mm) at 43.6%. The fine fraction had pH 7.8, 2.6% moisture content, 123 mg kg−1 Total Dissolved Solids, 37.2 mg kg−1 Dissolved Organic Carbon and 10.5 mg kg−1 fluorides. Compared with Swedish EPA guidelines, the elements As, Cd, Pb and Zn were in hazardous concentrations while Pb leached more than the limits for inert and non-hazardous wastes. With 40K activity concentration up to 3000 Bq kg−1, enhanced external dose rates of 40K were established (0.20 μSv h−1) although no radiological risk was found since both External Hazard Index (H ex) and Gamma Index (I γ) were <1. The glass dump needs remediation and storage of the waste materials under a safe hazardous waste class 'Bank Account' storage cell as a secondary resource for potential future recycling. • Radiometric and physico-chemical characteristics of glass waste were investigated. • As, Cd, Pb and Zn were in hazardous concentrations according to Swedish EPA limits. • Pb leached more than limits for inert and non-hazardous waste unlike As, Cd and Zn. • External dose rates and gamma measurements showed enhanced levels of 40K. • External Hazard index and Gamma Index indicated no radiological exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00456535
- Volume :
- 241
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Chemosphere
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 140467639
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124964