Study on the distribution, enrichment and migration characteristics of trace elements in particulate matter during solid waste combustion.

Trace element emissions caused by the entrainment of particulate matter (PM) has led to serious environmental pollution. This research focuses on the distribution, enrichment and migration characteristics of trace elements in different sizes of PM during the typical solid waste combustion. The results indicate that the mass concentration of trace elements in different PM is closely related to their volatility. Volatile trace elements such as Cu, In, Ag, Pb, and Cd tend to distribute in PM 1. Higher temperatures facilitate the volatilization of trace elements, promoting their migration and enrichment in finer PM. The removal effect of Si–Al-based additives on trace elements in PM 1 decreases with the increase of Si/Al ratio. Among them, the removal efficiency of 5% kaolin is the best. After the addition of Si–Al-additives, Zn and In mainly migrate to PM 1-10 , while Cu, V, Mo, As, Se, Cr, Ba, Mn, Co, Sr, and Ti mainly migrate to PM 10+. Ag, Pb, and Cd migrate to both PM 1-10 and PM 10+ simultaneously. [Display omitted] • The distribution and enrichment characteristics of TEs in PM 10 was studied. • Higher temperatures promote the migration and enrichment of TEs in PM 1. • The removal efficiency of TEs in PM 1 decreases with the increase of the Si–Al additive. • The migration paths of different TEs in PM generated by MSW combustion are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]