PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND METHODS
FOR SOLID WASTE CHARACTERIZATION
A Division of Research and Development
Open-File Progress Report (RS-03-68-17)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Public Health Service
-------
q^2>^v
(physical and chemical parameters and methods
FOR SOLID WASTE CHARACTERIZATION
A Division of Research and Development
Open-File Progress Report (RS-03-68-17)
written by
Nancy S. Ulmer, Research Chemist and
Project Director (July 1967-July 1969)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Public Health Service
Environmental Health Service
Bureau of Solid Waste Management
1970
-------
CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT 1
INTRODUCTION 2
APPROACH AND RESULTS 3
Selection of Specfftc Parameters of Possible
Significance in the Characterization of
Solid Wastes 3
Selection, Development, Evaluation and Publication
of Methods for Solid Waste Characterization 4
Establishment of the Significance of Selected
Parameters in the Characterization of Solid
Wastes 8
SUMMARY 10
REFERENCES 11
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 12
TABLES 1 THROUGH 6 13-24
111
-------
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND METHODS
FOR SOLID WASTE CHARACTERIZATION
A Division of Research and Development Open-File
Progress Report (RS-03-68-17) written by
Nancy Sue Ulmer, Research Chemist and
Project Director (July 1967-Juiy 1969)
ABSTRACT
The significance of eight parameters* in the characterization of
solid wastes is being investigated. Laboratory studies have established
methods for the precise and accurate determination of the biochemical
oxygen demand of incinerator quench water and the carbon, hydrogen, and
nitrogen contents of solid wastes collected before, during, and after
processing. The value of determining these four parameters during the
development, evaluation, and control of solid waste disposal systems is
suggested. Other investigations, designed to elucidate the significance
of the determination of the moisture, ash, volattles, and calorific value
of solid wastes, are in progress.
* In tfits paper the term paramettr means, a variable or characteristic
of interest.
-------
INTRODUCTION
Since World War II the population growth, urban sprawl, Increased
manufacture and sale of consumer goods, and the standard of living have
been responsible for an ever-mounting increase 1n the mass and variety
of materials being discarded in the United States. When the members of
Congress found in 1965 that the disposal of solid wastes had become a
problem of national scope and concern, they enacted the Solid Waste
Disposal Act and thus provided for Federal "financial and technical
assistance and leadership 1n the development, demonstration, and appli-
cation of new and improved methods and processes to reduce the amount of
waste and unsalvageable materials and to provide for proper and economical
solid waste disposal practices."1
Objective scientific development, evaluation, and control of solid
waste management systems depend upon the accurate characterization of
solid wastes. Two research projects, namely,The Physical and Chemical
Parameters of Significance in the Standard Characterization of Solid
Wastes (RCP-01 -68-01) and Methods for the Physical and Chemical Charac-^
terlzatlon of Solid Wastes (RCP-03-68-01) were therefore initiated-In
the laboratory of the Division of Research and Development, Bureau of
Solid Wastes Management, in FY 68. The goals of these two projects were
the determination, establishment, and publication of the physical and
chemical parameters and methods for solid waste characterization. The
initial Investigations revealed the inter-dependence of the goals and
progress of these two projects. They were thus combined into a single
2
-------
project, Physical and Chemical Parameters and Methods for Solid Waste
Characterization (RS-03-68-17).
The following report discusses the approach and results of the
investigations performed from July 1, 1967, to July 1, 1969.
APPROACH AND RESULTS
Selection of Specific Parameters of Possible Significance
in the Characterization of Solid Wastes
An extensive literature review was initiated early in FY 68 to
gather knowledge relevant to solid waste characterization. A list of
over 100 physical and chemical parameters, whose possible significance
had been suggested in the literature, was then prepared (Table 1). A
compilation of published parameter values, such as those presented in
Tables 2 through 5;, was also initiated. The physical and chemical para-
meter list and the tabulated data, together with the requests and
suggestions of many scientists and engineers responsible for providing
leadership and technical assistance in the development, evaluation, and
control of solid waste disposal systems, were then utilized as guide-
lines in the selection of the first eight parameters, whose significance
would be evaluated. The biochemical oxygen demand of incinerator quench
water and the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, moisture, ash, volatile, and
calorific contents of wastes before, during, and after processing thus
became the subject of our laboratory investigations.
3
-------
Selection, Development, Evaluation, and Publication of Methods
for Solid Waste Characterization
To facilitate the Immediate characterization of solid wastes by
other Investigators and the compilation of additional data, with which
the significance of selected parameters could be established, efforts
were then concentrated on Investigations of analytical methods.
The American Public Works Association's tentative methods of
analysts of refuse and compost provided a foundation and baseline for
2
further research and development of analytical methods. To date re-
visions 1n the tests for moisture, sugar, pH, calorific value, carbon,
and hydrogen have been recommended.
Independent laboratory studies were then Initiated to establish a
method for the determination of each of the eight selected parameters.
The objectives of each Investigation Included (1) a thorough literature
review of existing analytical techniques; (2) the selection or proposal
of a universally feasible procedure* (3) the evaluation of the sensitiv-
ity, precision, and accuracy of the method In the characterization of
solid wastes before, during, and after processing; and (4) the publication
of two reports - - one, describing the objectives, approach, results,
and conclusions of the Investigation, and the other presenting the
procedural directions for the determination of the specific parameter 1n
solid wastes. The following paragraphs sunmarfze the progress of the
various method studies undertaken to date.
4
-------
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of Incinerator Quench Water. A brief
evaluation of methods currently employed by the water pollution control
laboratories, has culminated in the preparation of two papers: "Report
on the Applicability of Existing Methods for the Determination of the
. 3
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of Incinerator Quench Water" and "Labora-
tory Procedures for the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Determination of
4
Incinerator Quench Water," These papers describe the establishment of
the applicability of the Weston and Stack Dissolved Oxygen Meter* in the
analysis of the BOD of quench water and the development of a simple pro-
cedure for checking the analyzer's performance in the field. Quick
qualitative tests for evaluating the applicability of the Azide Modifica-
tion of the Winkler Method are also presented in the papers.
Carbon and Hydrogen. A comprehensive literature review revealed
that existing methods were not feasible for the determination of carbon
and hydrogen in heterogeneous solid waste materials. A modified macro-
analytical technique was proposed that utilizes a dry combustion-
purification-gravimetric approach. Extensive study has demonstrated that
the method can be employed to analyze precisely and accurately l- to 2-g
samples of uniform and thoroughly dried solid wastes having a total carbon
content of 0.5 to 83.0 percent and a total hydrogen content of 0.01 to
7.30 percent. Three papers have been prepared--the first is a "Report on
the Development of a Method for the Determination of Carbon and Hydrogen
~ *Product (or manufacturer) designation within this report does not
imply endorsement by the Public Health Service.
5
-------
c c n
in Solid Wastes" , and the second and third are descriptions of the
method planned for publication in a scientific journal and laboratory
method manual respectively.
Nitrogen. The applicability of the Kjeldahl-Wllfarth-Gunning-
Winkler, Comprehensive Nitrogen, and Automated Dumas Methods 1n> the deter-
mination of nitrogen 1n refuse, compost, Incinerator residue, and fly
ash were evaluated in the laboratory. The Investigations demonstrated
that the sample weight utilized in the analyses must be limited to O.lg
and l.o to 2.5 g respectively. Two papers, establishing the applicability
and procedural directions for the three methods are currently being pre-
8 9
pared for publication. '
Moisture. Initial laboratory studies demonstrated that the hetero-
geneous character and moisture content of solid wastes rendered methods
such as the toluene-distillation and Karl Fischer titration Impractical
for the moisture characterization of refuse, compost, incinerator residue
and fly ash. Attention was therefore directed to the evaluation of
procedures that might be employed for the simultaneous characterization
and preparation of large samples of solid wastes.
Preliminary investigation revealed that drying could be accomplished
in a mechanically convected or forced-air oven at 70 C or 105 C, but the
time required to obtain constant weight was often 18 to 24 hours. In an
effort to shorten the drying period and increase the number and size of
samples that could be processed each day, investigations of other drying
6
-------
procedures were performed. Freeze-dryirig of 50- to 150-g refuse samples
was accomplished in 7 hours using a small improvised apparatus. The cost
of an instrument capable of freeze-drying a number of larger samples per
day renders this approach impractical for the average laboratory. Vacuum-
drying of solid wastes, i.e., drying in a 70 C or 105 C oven at a gauge
pressure of 1 to 15 in. of mercury, yielded similar data and appears to
be more economically feasible. Recent observations of the relationship
between (1) the particle size or exposed surface area of the solid waste,
and (2) the drying period required to achieve constant weight have
suggested the performance of additional research before the formulation
of conclusions and the publication of recommendations.
Ash and Volatiles. Laboratory studies were initiated in FY 68 to
evaluate the applicability of various muffle furnace procedures in the
determination of ash and volatiles of solid wastes. The effects of the
following variables upon the observed percents ash and volatiles have
been ascertained: the type and size of apparatus, the sample weight,
the amount of exposed sample surface area, the initial oven temperature,
the muffling temperature, and the length of the muffling period. The
effects of sample heterogeneity must be evaluated in the future. After
sample preparation techniques have been sufficiently perfected to ensure
the representative nature of 200-mg (or less) solid waste samples, the
utilization of a thermogravimetric-gas chromatographic procedure should
also be considered. This approach would afford a more rapid and complete
characterization of the volatiles than can be obtained by the muffle
7
-------
furnace technique.
Calorific Value. Investigations of the applicability of the Parr
Adlabatic Calorimeter Procedure^ in the determination of the calorific
value of solid wastes were also initiated 1n FY 69. The studies to date
have demonstrated that precise and accurate determinations of the
calorific value of municipal refuse and compost may be obtained with this
technique. Additional studies must be performed to elucidate a procedure
for the determination of the calorific value of hard-to-combust inciner-
ator residue and fly ash samples.
Establishment of the Significance of the Selected Parameters
in the Characterization of Solid Wastes
The analytical observations made during the method research and the
characterization studies were continuously added to the data compilation
to facilitate the elucidation and establishment of the significance of
the selected parameters in the characterization of solid wastes. The
June 30, 1969, tabulation of the range of values for 31 parameters (Table 6)
therefore included the data obtained during the in-house analyses of (1)
refuse and compost collected at composting facilities in Johnson City
(Tennessee), and Gainesville and St. Petersburg (Florida), and (2) refuse,
incinerator residue, fly ash, and related samples collected at Incinerator
facilities 1n the District of Columbia, Ogden (Utah), Alexandria (Virginia),
New York, Memphis, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and New Orleans.
The tabulated data was periodically reviewed to detect significant
8
-------
changes in the character of solid wastes and related samples during
composting, incineration, and landfilling. Analytical observations to
date have revealed, for example, a 100- to 300-ppm increase in the
biochemical oxygen demand of tap water after its use for quenching
incinerator residue. Since the disposal of such quench water may pollute
the receiving waterway, determinations of the biochemical oxygen demands
of the quench water and the receiving medium should be included in the
characterization studies performed during the development, evaluation,
and control of incineration processes. Analyses of the additional data,
thus obtained, would then afford a more complete elucidation of the
significance of this parameter.
Additional review of the tabulated parameter values has also
suggested that the observed concentrations of carbon, hydrogen, and
nitrogen reflect the degree and rate of decomposition of the organic
matter in the refuse. It is proposed that these three parameters be
i
included in the solid waste characterizations performed during the develop-
ment, evaluation, and control of solid waste disposal systems.
Compost research has, in fact, already suggested that the concentra-
tions of carbon and nitrogen and the change in the C/N ratio can be
used to evaluate (1) the degree and rate of biological decomposition of
11 ]2
the organic matter in compost, * and (2) the suitability of the
13
final product for use 1n agricultural soils. Knowledge of the carbon,
hydrogen, and nitrogen contents of the input and observed combustion
products of an incinerator may also enable the analyst to (1) calculate
9
-------
the theoretical air requirements and combustion products, (2) formulate
appropriate material and energy balance equations, and (3) evaluate and
14
control more effectively the efficiency of an 1nc1neraton system.
The significance of these and other parameters 1n the characteriza-
tion of solid wastes cannot be established completely until the
recommended characterizations have been tested by use 1n the development,
evaluation, and control of a number of similar solid waste disposal
systems.
SUMMARY
Research studies were initiated to establish parameters and methods
for the characterization of solid wastes before, during, and after pro-
cessing to assist the objective scientific development, evaluation, and
control of solid waste systems. Eight parameters Cbiochemical oxygen
demand, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, moisture, ash, yolatiles, and calor-
ific value) were selected from a list of over 100 physical and chemical
parameters of possible significance in the characterization of solid
wastes. Methods for the determination of the biochemical oxygen demand
of quench water and the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen contents of solid
wastes were established in the laboratory. Evaluation of procedures for
the determination of the other four parameters are in progress. The
significance of the determination of 0) the biochemical oxygen demand
of quench water and the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen contents of solid
wastes during the development, evaluation, and control of incineration
10
-------
processes and (2) the carbon and nitrogen contents and C/N ratios of
solid wastes during the evaluation of composting processes has been
suggested.
REFERENCES
1. Solid Waste Disposal Act. Title II of Public Law 89-272, 89th
Congress, S. 306, October 20, 1965.
2. American Public Works Association, Municipal refuse disposal. 2d. ed.
Chicago, Public Administration Service, 1966. p. 375-399.
3. Wilson, 0. L. Report on the applicability of existing methods for
the determination of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of
incinerator quench water: a Division of Research and Development
open-file report. (In press.)
4. Wilson, D. L. Laboratory procedures for the biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD) determination of incinerator quench water; a
Division of Research and Development open-file report. (In press.)
5. Wilson, D. L. Report on the development of a method for the deter-
mination of carbon and hydrogen in solid wastes; a Division of
Research and Development open-file report. (In press.)
6. Wilson, D. L. A method for macrodetermination of carbon and hydrogen
in solid wastes. (Submitted for publication.)
7. Wilson, D. L. Laboratory procedure for the gravimetric determination
of carbon and hydrogen in solid wastes; a Division of Research
and Development open-file report. (In press.)
8. Ulmer, N. S., and W. H. Kaylor. The applicability of three methods
for the determination of nitrogen in solid wastes. (In preparation.)
9. Kaylor, W. H., and N. S. Ulmer. Laboratory procedures for the
determination of nitrogen 1n solid wastes; a Division of Research
and Development open-file report, (In press.)
10. Parr Instrument Company. Oxygen bomb calorimetry and combustion
methods. Technical Manual No. 130. Mollne, Illinois, 1960. 56p.
11. University of California. Reclamation of municipal refuse by
composting. Sanitary Engineering Research Projects Technical
Bulletin No. 9. Berkeley, June 1953. p. 48-58, 70, 78. (Series 37.)
11
-------
12. Golueke, C. G., B. J. Card, and P. H. McGauhey. A critical
evaluation of inoculums in composting. Applied Microbiology,
1(2):46, Jan. 1954.
13. University of California, o£. eft, p. 65, 70.
14. Kaiser, E. R. Combustion and heat calculations for incinerators.
Department of Chemical Engineering Technical Report 1083-2. New
York City, New York University, School of Engineering and Science,
Research Division, Dec. 1963. 23 p.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The progress reported herein is the product of a team effort. Israel
Cohen, James Jacob, Annella Johnson, William Kaylor, Vtnce Lewis, Richard
Lossin, Robert Thurnau, and Donald Wilson have made significant contri-
butions in the development of methods for the characterization of solid
wastes. Albert J. Klee and the staff of the Operational Analysis Branch
of the Division of Technical Operations developed computer programs and
performed special statistical analyses.
12
-------
TABLE 1
GENERAL, PHYSICAL, AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE IN THE
CHARACTERIZATION OF SOLID WASTES BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER PROCESSING
General parameters
Compositional types
Paper
Garbage (food, grass, leaves)
Rags
Glass
Ceramics
Plastics
Rubber
Leather
Ferrous metals
Tin cans
Wood (limbs, sawdust)
Bricks, stones, dirt, ashes
Process types
Combustible
Compostable
Processable by landfill
Salvagable
Having intrinsic value
Physical parameters
Total wastes
Size
Shape
Volume
Weight
Density
Density stratifi-
cation
Surface area
Compaction
Compactability
Temperature
Color
Odor
Age
Radioactivity
Beta emission
226Ra
90Sr
40K
Physical state
Total solids
Liquid
Gas
Solid wastes
Soluble (%)
Suspendable (%)
Combustible {%)
Volatile {%)
Ash {%)
Soluble (%)
Suspendable {%)
Hardness (scale,
1 to 10)
Calorific value
Particle size
" shape
" surface
" porosity
" sorption
" density
" aggregation
Liquid wastes
Turbidity
Color
Taste
Odor
Temperature
Vicosity
Density
Density stratifi-
cation
Total solid (%)
Soluble (%)
Suspendable (%)
Dissolved oxygen
Gas wastes
Temperature
Pressure
Volume
Density
Particulate (%)
Liquid (%)
13
-------
Chemical parameters
General
PH
Alkalinity
Hardness (CaCOj)
MBAS (methylene blue active sub-
stances)
BOD (biochemical oxygen demand)
COD (chemical oxygen demand)
Rate of availability of nitrogen
Rate of availability of phosphorus
Crude fiber
Organic (%)
Organic
Soluble (*)
Protein nitrogen
Non-prote1n nitrogen
Phosphorus
Lipids
Starches
Sugars
Hem1celluloses
Llgnlns
Phenols
Benzene oil
ASB (alkyl benzene sulfonate)
CCE (carbon chloroform extract)
Vitamins (eg., B-12)
Insecticides (eg., Heptochlor, DDT,
D1eldr1n, etc.)
Silicon
Selenium
Antimony
Mercury
Arsenlc
Beryllium
Cadmium
Lead
Barium
Silver
Boron
Chloride
Fluoride
Sulfate
Carbonate
Bicarbonate
Asbestos
Oxygen
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur tr1oxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Inorganic and elemental
Moisture content (water)
Carbon
Hydrogen
C/H ratio
Nitrogen as NH3
Nitrogen as nitrates of calcium,
magnesium, sodium, potassium
Nltr&geb as nitrites
C/N ratio
C/N ratio changes
Potassium (KgO)
Phosphorus (P«0C and phosphate)
Calcium L 5
Magnesium
Aluminum
Iron
Manganese
Sulfur
Sodium
Copper
Z1nc
Chromium
Nickel
14
-------
TABLE 2
COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS OF AN AVERAGE MUNICIPAL REFUSE*
Prrrrl—tg Jbaljnlt
ftr cent "Am received" bull,
Of Kl^t per cent*
total Medat- Yolatlle fixed
wfla» are IhtUr
Ultlaate Analyala, Iky baaia, «algbt per cent.
.f
Cab. Olrtop
RdJblab, 6faf
Paper, sized
42.0
10.24
75-94
8.44
538
4J.41
Wood end baxk
2.4
2a 00
67.89
11.31
0.80
5a 46
Graea .
4.0
65.00
—
2.37
43-33
talk
1-5
4a 00
—
—
5-00
42.52
Cma
1-5
62.00
26-7^
6.32
4.94
40.31
Leave«, ripe
5-0
$aoo
—
4.10
4a 50
trrthw
0.3
laoo
68.46
12.44
9.10
60.00
Rubber
0.6
1.20
83.98
4.94
9.88
77.65
Plartlci
a7
2.00
—
--
10.00
60.00
011», palaU
as
aoo
—
—
16.30
66.85
Unoiraa
ai
2.10
64.50
6.60
26.80
48.06
Sage
a6
laoo
84.34
3-46
2.20
55-00
Sweeping*, Street
3.0
20.00
54.00
6.00
2a 00
34.70
Dirt, Household
1.0
3-20
2a 54
6.26
7a 00
20.62
tkiclasalf led
as
4.00
"
"
6a 00
16.60
tad waetee, 1H
Garbage
lao
72-00
2a 26
3.26
4.48
44.99
hti
2.0
aoo
—
0
76.70
ItieartnaMUM.lU
Metallic*
8.0
3-00
a5
as
96.0
O.76
Glaaa and ceraadxa
6.0
2.00
a4
a4
OT.2
a 56
Aahee
lao
laoo
s.68
24.12
63.2
28.0
loao
total Available
», arcwn Mrowi
5-82
5-97
6.04
5.90
5.64
5-95
8.00
10.35
7.20
9.65
5.3k
6.60
1.76
2-57
a. *5
6. *3
12.10
(0.28)
(0.672)
(0.83}
io.75>
0.77
a3i
6.56
(10.35,
iW-WO
9.00
3.00 1
2.70
(a36 1
(2.
-------
TABLE 3
PROXIMATE ANALYSES OF COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS OF MUNICIPAL REFUSE
IN PERCENT BY WEIGHT, AS DISCARDED (A.D.) BY HOUSEHOLDERS*
Refuse
Volatile
Fixed
Btu/lb
Component
Moisture
Matter
Carbon
Ash
A.D.
Dry Basis
1. Newtpoper
3.97
81.12
11.48
1.43
7974
8480
2. Brown paper
5.93
83.92
9.24
1.01
7256
7706
3. Trad* magazine
4.11
66.39
7.03
22.47
5254
5480
4, Corrug. paper boxes
5.20
77.47
12.27
5.06
7043
7429
5. Plastic coated paper
4.71
84.20
8.45
2.64
7341
.7703
6, Waxed milk cartons
3.45
90.92
4.46
1.17
11327
11732
7, Paper food cartons
6.11
75.59
11.80
6.50
7258
7730
8. Junk mall
4.56
73.32
9.03
13.09
6088
6378
9. Veget. food wastes
78.29
17.10
3.55
1.06
1795
8270
10. Citru* rind* and seeds
78.70
16.55
4.01
0.74
1707
8015
11. M«at scraps, cooked
38.74
56.34
1.81
3.11
7623
12443
12. Fried fats
0.00
97.64
2.36
0.00
16466
16466
13. Leather shoe
7.46
57.12
14.26
21.16
7243
7826
14. Heel and sole composition
T.15
67.03
2.08
29.74
10899
11026
15. Vacuum cleaner catck
5.47
55.68
8.51
30.34
6386
6756
16. Evergreen shrub cuttings
69.00
25.18
5.01
O.tl
2708
8735
17. Balsam spruce
74.35
20.70
4.13
0.82
2447
9541
18. Flower garden plants *
53.94
35.64
8.08
2.34
3697
8027
19. Lawn grass
75.24
18.64
4.50
1.62
2058
8312
20. Ripe tree leaves
9.97
66.92
19.29
3.82
7984
8869
~Source: Kaiser, E, R, Chemical analyses of refuse components. In
Proceedings of 1966 national Incinerator conference. New York City,
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, May 1966. p. 85.
-------
TABLE 4
ULTIMATE ANALYSES OF COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS OF MUNICIPAL REFUSE
IN PERCENT BY WEIGHT, DRY BASIS*
Aefuse
Component
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Sulfur
Ash
1. Newspaper
49.14
6.10
43.03
0.05
0.16
1.52
2. Brown paper
44.90
6.08
47.84
0.00
0.11
1.07
3. Trade magazine
32.91
4.95
38.55
0.07
0.09
23.43
4. Corrug. paper boxes
43.73
5.70
44.93
0.09
0.21
5.34
5. Plottie coated paper
45.30
6.17
45.50
0.18
0.08
2.77
6. Waxed milk eartons
59.18
9.25
30.13
0.12
0.10
1.22
7. Paper food carton*
44.74
6.10
41.92
0.15
0.16
6.93
8. Junk mail
37.87
5.41
42.74
0.17
0.09
13.72
9. Veget, food wastes
49.06
6.62
37.55
1.68
0.20
4.89
10. Citrus rinds and seeds
47.96
5.68
41.67
1.11
0,12
3.46
11. Meat scraps, eooked
59.59
9.47
24.65
1.02
0.19
5.08
12. Fried fats
73.14
11.54
14.82
0.43
0.07
0.00
13. Leather shoe'
42.01
5.32
22.83
5.98
1.00
22.86
14. Rubber composition heel and sole
53.22
7.09
7.76
0.50
1.34
30.09
15. Vacuum eleaner catch
35.69
4.73
20.08
6.26
1.15
32.09
16. Evergreen trimmings
48.51
6.54
40.44
1.71
0.19
2.61
17. Balsam spruce
53.30
6.66
35.17
1.49
0.20
3.18
18. Flower garden plants
46.65
6.61
40.18
1.21
0.26
5.09
1?. Lawn grass, green
46.18
5.96
36.43
4.46
0.42
6.55
20. Ripe tree leaves
52.15
6.11
30.34
6.99
0.16
4.25
*Source: Kaiser, E.R. Chemical analyses of refuse components. In
Proceedings of 1966 national incinerator conference. New York City,
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, May 1966. p. 86.
-------
TABLE 5
ANALYSES OF A COMPOSITE MUNICIPAL REFUSE*
Proximate analysis
Moisture
Volatile matter
Fixed carbon
Ash and metal
Btu/lb: 5260 + 182T « 5442
20.00 percent
52.70
7.30
20.00
100,00 percent
Ultimate Analysis
Moisture
20.00
Carbon
29.83
Hydrogen
3.99
Oxygen
25.69
Nitrogen
0.37
Sulfur
0.12
Ash and metal
20.00
IQO'OS
~Source: Kaiser, E.R. Chemical analyses of
refuse components. In. Proceedings of 1966
national incinerator conference. New Tork City,
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
May 1966. p. 87.
tFrom 50 percent oxidation of metals.
18
-------
TABLE 6
RANGE OF VALUES OF SOME PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF SOLID WASTES AND RELATED SAMPLES*
June 30, 1969
Parameter
Type of Sample
Identity
Unit of
measure-
ment
Basis of
measure-
ment
Muni ci paj
refuse
Compost
Incinerator
residue
Fly ash
Scrubber
water
Quench
water
Land
surface
water
Alkalinity
(CaC03)
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
. -
0-237
68-1290
1040
%
As rec'd
5.24-29.63
-
-
-
Ash
(w/w)
Dry
4.0-37.9
22.7-55
27.7-96.2
72.5-97.5
-
-
-
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
16-6099
1100-2703
849-993
%{w/w)
of tot.
solids
As rec'd
13.23-76.70
76.46-89.44
78.62-86
~Values presented reflect the number of analyses and degrees of accuracy reported in the following sources:
Bell, J.M. Characteristics of municipal refuse. Jji Proceedings; national conference on solid waste research.
Chicago. American Public Works Association, December 1963. p. 37. Fuller, W.H., and S. Bosma. The nitrogen
requirements of some municipal composts. Compost Science, 6(2): 26-32, 1965. Kaiser, E.R. Composition and
combustion of refuse. . In speech presented at MECAR symposium on incineration of solid wastes. New York City,
March 21, 1967. Personal" communications. I. Cohen, A. Johnson, W. Kaylor, R. Lossin, and D. Wilson, Bureau
of Solid Waste Management, 1968-1969. University of California, Reclamation of municipal refuse by composting.
Institute of Engineering Research Technical Bulletin No. 9, Series 37. Berkeley, University of California,
June 1953. p.47. Wiley, J.S. Refuse and sludge-refuse composting. Journal of Boston Society of Civil Enqi-
neers. 49(l):13-25, January 1962.
-------
Parameter
Type of sample
Identity
Unit of
measure-
ment
Basis of
measure-
ment
Municipal
refuse
Compost
Incinerator
residue
Fly ash
Scrubber
water
Quench
water
Land
surface
water
BOO
ppm
As rec'd
100-300
As rec'd
3000-6000
-
-
-
Calorific
value
BTU/lb
Dry
5475-10,000
3920-7520
513-5245
275-1705
-
-
-
MAF+
8100-9048
960-8980
-
-
-
Carton,
i
As rec'd
4.83-6.70
-
-
-
fixed
(*/*)
Dry
8.35-9.19
-
-
- ¦
Carbon,
total
*
As rec'd
8.0-35.0
20.03-21.24
-
-
-
Dry
26.5-47.68
19.1-43.58
0.58-1.27
3.00-4.42
-
-
-
MAF
49.87-50.70
-
-
-
Chloride
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
52-3821
50-3650
206-210
C/N*
(ratio)
As rec'd
27.1-49.9
-
-
-
Dry
20-78
17-45
-
-
-
tMAF = Moisture and ash free
•The C/N values were taken directly from the literature; i.e., they were not'calculated from the carbon
and nitrogen values reported herein.
-------
Parameter
Type of sample
Identity
Unit of
measure-
ment
Basis of
measure-
ment
Municipal
refuse
Compost
Incinerator
residue
Fly ash
Scrubber
water
Quench
water
Land
surface
water
Conduc-
tivity
u mhos
cm
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
220-12,050
100-12,600
1550
Crude fiber
%
(w/w)
As rec'd
19.26-20.93
-
-
-
-
Density
g/cc
As rec'd
0.42-1.39
Hardness
(caco3)
rog/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
77-3780
83-1574
631-645
Hydrogen
t
(w/w)
As rec'd
2.44-3.37
Dry
4.22-6.40
2.17-6.04
0.01-0.09
0.09-0.17
-
-
-
MAF
6.60-6.87
-
-
-
Lipids
(Ether
extract)
%
(w/w)
As rec'd
0.5-8.0
Moisture
%
(*/«)
As rec'd
8.8-57.5
33.74-58.04
0.03-59.52
0.1-69.4
-
-
-
Dry
33-32
-------
Parameter
Type of sample
Identity
Unit of
measure-
ment
Basis of
measure-
ment
Municipal
refuse
Compost
Incinerator
residue
Fly ash
Scrubber
water
Quench
water
Land
surface
water
%
As rec'd
0.2-3.0
0.43-0.74
-
-
-
Nitrogen
(H)
000
Dry
0.3-1.74
0.52-1.55*
0.08-0.75 •
0.01-0.07
-
-
-
MAF
0.91-1.50
-
-
-
%
As rec'd
14.48-22.35
-
-
-
Oxygen
(*/»)
Dry
25.01-29.76
-
-
-
MAF
40.72-42.44
-
-
-
pH
log
1/CH]
As rec'd
-
-
-•
-
1.75-6.80
5.90-11.80
7.40
Phosphates
(P04 *)
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
0.07-76.2
0-225.0
1.8-3.0
Phosphorus
%
(*/*)
Dry
0.12-0.70
0.20-0.55
-
-
-
Potassium
%
(w/w)
Dry
0.13-0.42
0.25-0.57
-
-
-
Protein
(6.25 N)
%
(w/w)
As rec'd
2.66-4.61
-
-
-
'Values for compost, fortified with ammonium nitrate, are not included.
-------
Parameter
Type of sample
Identity
Unit of
measure-
ment
I Basis of
measure-
merit
Municipal
refuse
Compost
Incinerator
residue
Fly ash
Scrubber
water
Quench
water
Land
surface
water
Solids,
dissolved
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
97-9364
482-9005
1052-1079
Solids,
suspended
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
24-2010
7-5476
28-30
Solids,
suspended
volatile
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
13-398
31-1534
8-14
Solids,
total
%
(w/w)
As rec'd
41.97-66.25
-
-
-
mg/1
As rec'd
-
_
-
-
121-9762
605-9740
1080-1109
Starch
%
(w/w)
As rec'd
0-6.0
-
-
-
Sugar
%
As rec'd
0.003
-
-
-
(w/w)
Dry
0-0.8
-
-
-
Sulfates
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
5-1350
5-830
131-140
%
As rec'd
0.08-0.16
-
-
-
Sulfur
(w/w/)
Dry
0.13-0.14
-
-
-
m
0.18-0.19
-
-
-
-------
Parameter
Type of sample
Identity
Unit of
measure-
ment
Basts of
measure-
ment
Municipal
refuse
Compost
1 Incinerator
residue
Fly ash
Scrubber
water
Quench
water
Land
surface
water
Volatlles,
total
solid
t
C*/w)
As rec'd
30.70-44.45
34.53-36.63
-
-
-
Dry
53.03-95.7
0.2-95.2
2.5-14.0
-
-
-
mg/1
As rec'd
-
-
-
-
105-2000
129-1106
149-231
%
(w/w) Of
total
solids
As rec'd
11.94-86.77
10.45-58.13
13.43-21.38
------- |