Radiometrical and physico-chemical characterisation of contaminated glass waste from a glass dump in Sweden. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mutafela, Richard N.; Mantero, Juan; Jani, Yahya; Thomas, Rimon; Holm, Elis; Hogland, William
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 241(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Glass waste -- Physico-chemical characterisation -- Fine fraction -- NORM -- Dose rates -- Risk assessment; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124964
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Around former glass factories in south eastern Sweden, there are dozens of dumps whose radioactivity and physico-chemical properties were not investigated previously. Thus, radiometric and physico-chemical characteristics of waste at Madesjö glass dump were studied to evaluate pre-recycling storage requirements and potential radiological and environmental risks. The material was sieved, hand-sorted, leached and scanned with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). External dose rates and activity concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials from 238 U, 232 Th series and 40 K were also measured coupled with a radiological risk assessment. Results showed that the waste was 95% glass and dominated by fine fractions (<11.3 mm) at 43.6%. The fine fraction had pH 7.8, 2.6% moisture content, 123 mg kg −1 Total Dissolved Solids, 37.2 mg kg −1 Dissolved Organic Carbon and 10.5 mg kg −1 fluorides. Compared with Swedish EPA guidelines, the elements As, Cd, Pb and Zn were in hazardous concentrations while Pb leached more than the limits for inert and non-hazardous wastes. With 40 K activity concentration up to 3000 Bq kg −1, enhanced external dose rates of 40 K were established (0.20 μSv h −1 ) although no radiological risk was found since both External Hazard Index (Hex ) and Gamma Index (Iγ ) were <1. The glass dump needs remediation and storage of the waste materials under a safe hazardous waste class 'Bank Account' storage cell as a secondary resource for potential future recycling. Highlights: Radiometric and physico-chemical characteristics of glass waste were investigated. As, Cd, Pb and Zn were in hazardous concentrations according to Swedish EPA limits. Pb leached more than limits for inert and non-hazardous waste unlike As, Cd and Zn. External dose rates and gamma measurements showed enhanced levels of 40 K. External Hazard index and Gamma Index indicated no radiological exposure risks.