Recent progress on the thermal treatment and resource utilization technologies of municipal waste incineration fly ash: A review

Incineration is becoming a promising and effective approach to dispose the increasing municipal solid waste, while the fly ash produced is another urgent problem needed to be addressed. Municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI-FA) contains heavy metals and organic pollutants, which exert huge threat to human health and environmental safety. This paper analyzed the current situation of MSWI-FA, summar-ized the technologies of hazard-free treatment and resourceful utilization, expounded its future develop-ment trend. The latest thermal detoxification technologies of MSWI-FA were reviewed, including melting/ vitrification, hydrothermal treatment and thermal plasma technology. The organic pollutants can be effi-ciently decomposed during the thermal treatment process, and the heavy metals can be stabilized, which was currently the most effective hazard-free treatment technology. The resource utilization technologies of MSWI-FA related to thermal treatment, including the application of MSWI-FA in the production of asphalt, cement, and glass ceramics, were reviewed. The life cycle assessment of various MSWI-FA treatment technologies were summarized and compared. The main principle was to make full use of the physico-chemical characteristics of MSWI-FA, with its purpose to realize value-added utilization, and to decompose and stabilize the hazardous components during high-temperature process. The mechanism and technical characteristics of treating MSWI-FA through thermal detoxification and resource utilization were deeply summarized, and the future research work that needs to be further strengthened was proposed, thereby promoting the safe and effective treatment of MSWI-FA and realizing the green and sustainable develop-ment of the city.(c) 2022 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Incineration is a promising approach for municipal solid waste disposal, but the resulting fly ash poses urgent problems. This paper analyzes the current situation and technologies for the hazard-free treatment and resourceful utilization of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI-FA). Various thermal detoxification technologies and resource utilization methods are reviewed. The focus is on decomposing organic pollutants and stabilizing heavy metals through high-temperature processes. The paper emphasizes the importance of utilizing the physico-chemical characteristics of MSWI-FA for value-added utilization and promoting the safe and effective treatment of MSWI-FA for green and sustainable city development.