Variation in elemental concentrations of veterinary college incinerator ashes with time of sampling

An analytical survey of elements in ashes sampled nationwide from veterinary college incinerators was reported earlier (Thompson et al. 1995). It was of interest to observe the variation in the elemental composition of ashes sampled repeatedly with time from the same incinerator. In 1995, eleven samples of ash were taken at approximately weekly intervals from the incinerator at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Twenty four elements were determined using several analytical procedures as well as organic matter, pH and soluble salts. In general, the concentrations of the various analytes are remarkably similar as a function of the time of sampling. Whereas the concentrations of most elements were well below those found in ashes from municipal solid waste incinerators, elements such as Ca, Mg and P were much higher, expectedly deriving from animal bones, teeth and other tissues. Factors affecting the chemistry of elements during incineration are discussed.