Investigating the effects of green solvent washing on incinerated bottom ash

Abstract

The impact of human activities on the environment has become a major concern as a result of the fast-growing economy and rapid urbanization. These activities have led to the depletion of the world's natural resources and an increase in solid waste generation. One country that is facing the challenge of managing solid waste is Singapore, which has limited land space and generates a significant amount of incinerated bottom ash (IBA) due to the use of incineration plants as a method of waste management. To address this issue, researchers are exploring alternative methods for IBA treatment, including green solvents washing. While there are existing studies on recycling IBA for construction purposes, the negative environmental impacts, such as heavy metal leaching, continue to be a concern. The use of deep eutectic solvents (DES), which are a type of green solvent, for IBA washing could potentially be a more effective method for removing heavy metals from IBA and reducing the negative impact of IBA on the environment. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of DES washing on IBA and its potential for sustainable IBA management. By exploring new methods for IBA treatment, we can move towards more sustainable resource management practices, such as conservation, recycling, and resource substitution, which are key aspects of sustainable development.