STUDY OF THE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF SAMPLES FROM THE GAS CLEANING SYSTEM UPON MEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL BY THERMAL METHOD

Aim. We study the elemental composition of samples from the gas cleaning system of an autothermic plant for the disposal of medical waste and determine their hazard class. Methodology. Fly ash samples from the elements of the gas cleaning system (air sparging system, “wet scrubber”, impeller of smoke exhaust) of an autothermal unit disposing medical waste were analyzed by an X-ray fluorescence method. The content of 30 elements, including toxic ones (Pb, Cd, As) was measured in samples. Based on the results of chemical analysis of samples from the elements of the gas cleaning system, the hazard class of the waste was calculated. Results. The analysis showed that ash from the elements of the air sparging system contains such elements as Cl, Fe, Ca, K, Ti, Zn, Cr, Mn, Pb, Ni, Sn, and Sb. The maximum metal content (Fe, Ti, Zn, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Mo) is absorbed by the scrubber cleaning system. The ash sampled from the elements of the impeller contains a high content of halogens (Cl, Br, I) and As. The presence of Cr, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cu in the ash sampled from the elements of the impeller indicates incomplete cleaning of exhaust gases from heavy metals. The waste from the gas cleaning system of the autothermal plant for the disposal of medical waste corresponds to hazard class II (highly hazardous). Research implications. The presence of Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Pb in the composition of ash taken from the elements of the impeller indicates incomplete cleaning of exhaust gases from heavy metals, a high content of halogens (Cl, Br, and I) and As indicates the possibility of environmental pollution and the risk for human health. The waste from the gas cleaning system of an autothermal plant for the disposal of medical waste corresponds to hazard class II (highly hazardous) and must be transferred to a specialized organization for neutralization or disposal in a manner that is safe for the environment and human health.