Analysis of selected physical and chemical properties of fly ash from ITPOK for the purpose of raw material recovery

Among the methods used in the management of municipal waste, one can distinguish, their combustion in installations for the thermal treatment of municipal waste (ITPOK). The advantage of this method implemented in modern installations is the reduction of the mass and volume of waste with simultaneous very efficient cogeneration of heat and electricity, while minimizing emissions. One of the possibilities of including ITPOK in the implementation of the Circular Economy idea regarding raw material recovery is the use of by-products of combustion. Fly ash is such a waste incineration product. The article presents the results of research on selected physicochemical properties of fly ash and leaching tests impurities of fly ash from three ITPOKs located in Poland. The research was extended by phytotoxicity analysis, which was carried out using garden cress seeds. The tests were carried out both on fly ash and on their water extracts. Understanding the basic properties of the fly ash tested has allowed to indicate possible directions for their management.