A Simple Method for the Detection of Fly-ash Dispersed at Landfill Sites

Abstract

We investigated simple methods for the detection of fly ash dispersed at a landfill site based on the observation that fly ash trapped in water increases the electric conductivity of water. Containers with deionized water for the collection of air particulates were placed at 5 sites in a landfill site over 6 weeks, and the electric conductivity of water samples was measured. The relationship between the water samples and the contents of zinc, copper, and lead in the deposited matter was examined. Close correlations between these were noted, the samples collected at the sites had a large amount of particulates and were near dumping sites. This indicates the usefulness of this method. It is effective to the point of 10 mS/m or more in electric conductivity.