Feasibility study for the preparation of reference materials for the physico-chemical characterisation of solid wastes

Abstract

Nowadays, waste management is a very important aspect, so minimizing waste is vital. When waste cannot be recycled or reused, it is disposed in controlled landfills. European Decision 2003/33/EC establishes the criteria and procedures for the admission of waste to controlled landfills, which are based on a previous physico-chemical characterization of the waste. In Catalonia, its management is the responsibility of Agència de Residus de Catalunya (ARC). The ARC monitors the analytical behavior of the laboratories that participate in proficiency test for the characterization of waste. Since 2003, Mat Control organise proficiency tests for the characterization of solid wastes from soil matrices. For the correct operation of a proficiency test, the reference material sent to the participant, must be homogenous and stable over time and it has to allow to check the analytical performance of participants for the list of parameters of interest. For achieving the best conditions, a feasibility study must be performed, that has as objective quantify in aqueous leachate the established parameters decided in the campaign with the difficulties that this may cause. The parameters established for the analysis, and according to the present legislation, are some metals, some anions, phenol index and total organic carbon. In this work, the physico-chemical properties of the initial soil will be analysed and a fortification process will be established to obtain the reference material used in the proficiency test for the 2022 campaign that achieves the mentioned objectives