Speciation of Cu in MSWI bottom ash and its relation to Cu leaching

In Flanders, recycling of bottom ash is mainly inhibited by the high leaching of Cu. Although it has been proved that dissolved organic C plays a major role in the Cu leaching, the possible role of inorganic Cu mineral speciation has never been experimentally examined. In this study the speciation of Cu is investigated using a combination of optical microscopy and electron microprobe –WDX/EDX. Several Cu species were determined. Metallic Cu (with or without an oxide shell), CuO and Cu2O were the most abundant. These particles were most likely present in wire-like structures. Copper also occurred as alloy (brass, bronze, zamak), and was found frequently together with typical elements such as Ca, Cl and S. Finally, small metallic Cu particles seemed to be trapped in or precipitated on oxides and silicates. Based on this Cu speciation study, pure Cu minerals were selected and leached as a function of time. The solubility after equilibrium of all studied Cu minerals never exceeded 20 μg/L (which equals 10% of the total Cu leaching).