Comparison between different leaching tests for the evaluation of metal release from fly ash.

Comparison of three different leaching tests, each characterized by different conditions, e.g. liquid/solid ratio, pH, leachant, stirring conditions, duration time, has been performed within the activities of Analeach, financed by the European Union in the "Cooperation with third Countries" programme (INCO). The comparison was performed on four highly homogenized fly ash reference materials, of different origin, provided by the Joint Research Centre of Ispra. Seven different elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) were considered in this study. The influence of the main experimental conditions and of the matrix on metal release was studied. Basic characterization of the materials was also performed.