Comprehensive performance evaluation of plasma vitrification for detoxification and valorization of residual wastes

Abstract

This study explores the current state-of-the-art in the detoxification and valorization of solid residues from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI), especially fly ash, using plasma vitrification. The principles and advances in hazardous material elimination, resource recovery, and system integration using plasma vitrification for MSWI fly ash are identified. The global production and the characteristics of MSWI fly ash are first reviewed. Then, the features and principles of plasma technologies used for MSWI fly ash treatment from the thermodynamic and physical aspects are provided. The mechanisms of detoxification of MSWI fly ash from the perspectives of dioxins destruction and metal separation by plasma vitrification are also discussed. Moreover, the recovery methods of valuable elements for vitrified slag are introduced. Finally, the improvement pathways of plasma vitrification processes from the domains of engineering performance, environmental impact, and economic viability are suggested.

Graphical abstract

Keywords:

• Application
• circular economy
• dioxin
• fly ash
• heavy metals
• principles and mechanisms

HANDLING EDITORS:

• Ki-Hyun Kim and Jörg Rinklebe

Acknowledgements

High appreciation goes to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of Taiwan (ROC) under Grant Number MOST 110-2636-M-002-016 for the financial support. This study is also supported by National Taiwan University under the Project Number 110-B-CD-5602-24910.