Effect of Solidification on Leachability of Trace Metals from Ashes and Ecotoxicity of Leachates

Abstract

The aim of solidification of ashes is to reduce the bioavailability of toxic heavy metals. The review focuses on comparison of water leachability of raw ashes and ashes solidified with cement. The leachates of raw ashes were toxic due to increased concentrations of trace elements, in particular Cd, As, and Se. On solidification leachability of most of the toxic metals significantly decreased, but their ecotoxicity did not decrease to the expected extent.