Analytical survey of elements in veterinary college incinerator ashes

While appreciable attention has been given to the elemental composition of ashes from municipal solid waste incinerators, relatively little information is available on the elemental content of incinerators burning animal carcasses and medical wastes. In the work reported here, an analytical survey was conducted of the concentration of 22 elements in the ashes of incinerators located at veterinary colleges or animal disease diagnostic laboratories in seven states. With the exception of Zn, the concentrations of most elements were well below those found in ashes from municipal solid waste incinerators. Conversely, Ca, P and K were much higher in concentration probably deriving largely from bones, teeth and other organs of animals. There was an indication that burned plastic wastes were a source of Pb in the ashes. The concentrations of several toxic elements varied widely probably due to variations in initial waste composition, incinerator design and operating parameters. The concentrations of soluble salts in the ashes were appreciable. Organic matter in the ashes was low to nondetectable indicating the completeness of incineration.