Thermochemical calculations to monitor the fate of heavy metals during solid waste incineration

Abstract

Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations have become essential for analyzing physicochemical processes and developing innovative technologies aimed at optimizing resource utilization and mitigating environmental pollution.

Our study applies thermochemical modeling using HSC Chemistry software to examine the fate of heavy metals—copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb)—during waste incineration. The objective is to assess the influence of key parameters, including temperature, chlorine content, and total pressure, on the volatilization, condensation, and retention of these metals in solid residues.

The simulations reveal that elevated temperatures predominantly favor the formation of gaseous metal species at the expense of solid-phase retention, whereas an increased chlorine content promotes the stabilization of heavy metals in solid form. Furthermore, rising total pressure is observed to enhance the fraction of solid species while simultaneously reducing the prevalence of volatile species.

These results provide a deeper understanding of the physicochemical mechanisms governing the fate of heavy metals during thermal waste treatment. The findings have direct implications for optimizing incineration protocols, refining pollution control strategies, and mitigating environmental risks associated with the atmospheric dispersion of toxic metal emissions.