*The Public Authority for Applied Education & Training College of Health Sciences, P0 Box 14281, Faiha 72853, Kuwait
**Environment Public Authority, P0 Box 24395, Safat 13104, Kuwait
ABSTRACT
During the period from 11-26 January 1999, 144 bottom ash samples were collected from incinerators (48 samples each) in three hospitals in the State of Kuwait, viz. Al-Sabah, Ibn Sina and Psychological Medicine. Three subsamples were collected every morning from three different sites and depths at the primary chamber of each incinerator. Analyses were done with a flame and flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) to determine the concentrations of eight trace metals, viz, chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). The aim of the study was to collect information about the bottom ash samples of hospital waste incinerators in the State of Kuwait in order to determine the proper method of disposal. The results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals for bottom ash samples from three incinerators ranged between 730—27,800 mg/g of Zn, 727-l2,333 ىg/g of Fe, 192-5,866 ىg/g of Pb, l00-2000 ىg/g of Cr, 138—1,988 ىg/g of Cu, 31-928 ىg/g of Mn, 2l—l4l ىg/g of Ni and l-56 ىg/g of Cd. The mean concentrations indicated an abundance of Zn > Fe > Pb > Cr > Cu > Mn > Ni > Cd. The study suggests that care should be taken when the incinerator bottom ash is handled and disposed of. Ash should be stored in covered containers and disposed of in a safe and proper manner at a special landfill.
Keywords: Ash; hazardous waste; heavy metals; hospital waste; incinerators.