Pre-investigation of the distribution of heavy metals at metal scrap processing plant

Abstract

Waste metal has been recognized as a valuable resource. Increased recycling of metal scrap will limit the total quantity of waste going to final disposal. In order to produce new goods, scrap metal must be collected and processed. This is usually done at scrap processing plant, where end-of life vehicles, white goods, electric and electronic equipment, and numerous other items are cut in fine particles, and sorted according to certain physical properties. During processing, hidden pollution occurs. Dust, aerosols, process liquids, and storm water creates emissions.The present work focuses on the origin of the industrial storm water pollution at the scrap metal processing plant, which can be seen as an example of an environmental impact, created by recovery and recycling industry. The distribution of metallic (major elements and heavy metals) pollutants in different solid phase samples: soil; sweepings of asphalt and sediments of an on-site storm water treatment system were the main subject of the work. The average concentrations of heavy metals were found to be almost at the same level in the different investigated sectors of the whole industrial area. The concentrations of Ni, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd exceeded maximal allowable concentrations stated in the UE directives.