An experimental and analytical approach to understanding the dynamic leaching from municipal solid waste combustion residue

This paper describes an experimental technique involving the use of small columns for generating significant quantities of leachate data from municipal solid waste (MSW) solid residues within a relatively short amount of time. Data analysis using the discretized mass balance equations descriptive of the system results in best estimates of governing transport parameters that can, in turn, be used to predict the long-term release of leachable components (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO₄) from the solid matrix. Results indicate that both chemical solubility and physical transport are important factors affecting the flux of contaminants from the solid to the solution phase.