Method for treating dioxin contaminated incineration ash

摘要

A method for reducing the toxicity of incineration ash containing dioxin-type compounds includes the step of contacting the contaminated incineration ash with an aqueous solution of an alkaline earth metal hydroxide. Detoxification occurs at relatively low temperatures (e.g. below 350 degrees Celsius) and can be performed in the presence of water that is often found in incineration ash storage piles. The solution and ash are kept in contact for a pre-determined detoxification period. Once detoxification has progressed to a desired endpoint, the solution is drained to a storage vessel where it can be re-used to treat additional incineration ash. In one implementation, the treatment is performed at a slightly elevated temperature (e.g. 100 degrees Celsius) to reduce the length of the detoxification period while maintaining the same level of detoxification. <IMAGE>