The influence of the usage of secondary fuels for Portland clinker production on the emission value of heavy metals from cement and concrete

The influence of secondary fuels components used for Portland clinker production on emission value of heavy metals is presented in this paper. Analyses and studies of hazardous substances emission (heavy metals) from cements and concretes were conducted according to standards developed by Technical Committee CEN TC 351. The contents of following heavy metals were analyzed: Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu, Sr, Ba and P in secondary fuels used by cement industry in Poland for Portland clinker production. Total heavy metal contents in cements and their leaching from cements CEM I were studied. Leaching of heavy metals from CEM I-based concretes to environment was also determined. Obtained tests results allow to conclude that changes in technology of cement clinker production leading to the usage of waste materials and secondary fuels does not cause an increase in heavy metals emission in level, which requires qualifying cement as material, which has to be regularly controlled for harmfulness on man and natural environment.