Ecotoxicity of pyrolytic carbon produced by pyrolysis of municipal and industrial waste

Abstract

The samples of pyrolytic carbon from Burgau Waste Pyrolysis Plant (Germany) produced by pyrolysis of municipal, industrial and special waste were monitored in terms of ecotoxicity. Collembola (springtails) were selected for reproductive bioassay. After 28 days' incubation of juveniles, the value of EC50 was determined for selected metals. The study indicates the lowest sensitivity of Folsomia candida to iron (1.689 mg/kg dry matter correspond to EC50). The relative sensitivity for other metals can be expressed in form of a series: Fe < Zn = Cu < Pb < Mn < Ni = Cd. The highest sensitivity was found for cadmium (1.2 mg/kg dry matter). Pyrolytic carbon from MPA Burgau contains high concentrations of chlorides, which cause inhibition of reproduction of Folsomia candida and therefore represent a limiting factor for determination of ecotoxicity of heavy metals in Folsomia candida. The index of acute toxicity EC50 was obtained for concentration of 500 mg/kg chlorides in dry matter.