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Assessment of Heavy Metals in Bottom Ashes from Medical Waste Incinerators and their Associated Health Risks in Dar es Salaam

Honest Anicetus, Josephat Saria, Samwel Manyele, Julius Mbuna

Abstract

Bottom ashes originating from medical waste incineration contain heavy metals capable of

causing adverse effects to human beings and the environment. The main goal of this study

is to establish levels of heavy metals in bottom ashes from medical waste incinerators to

build a basis for the development of sustainable, safe, and efficient methods for healthcare

waste management. The study assessed the level of heavy metals in the bottom ashes of

thermally treated medical waste from six health care facilities in Dar es Salaam city,

Tanzania. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma -

Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). While As, Cd and Hg were below detection limit,

Hg poses particular risk to public health since it may appear as vapour in the environment,

which can be inhaled by human beings. The average concentration of other heavy metals

followed the trend: Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Mn > Cu. All the metals investigated

exceeded the USEPA regulation on maximum permissible levels of heavy metals in good soil

quality, and hence classified as harmful and toxic. Therefore, there is a need to explore

environmentally friendly techniques for proper disposal of ash generated by incinerators,

or consider non-incineration techniques of medical waste management.

Keywords

bottom ash, medical waste, incinerator, heavy metals

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