Analyses of Dredged Wastes, Fly Ash, and Waste Chemicals - New York Metropolitan Region

摘要

Chemical and physical properties were determined on wastes commonly transported by barge for disposal in coastal waters offshore from New York harbor. Dredged wastes (also called dredged spoils) were studied by analysis of harbor sediment (a major source) and wastes deposited in the 'Mud Disposal Area'. Chemical and physical properties of these wastes suggest that they commonly consist of about 20 percent carbonaceous wastes (possibly sewage solids) mixed with low-carbon river-borne silt (median grain size 30 microns) and an unknown amount of industrial wastes. Ash from coal-fired power generating plants was chemically similar to shale. Waste chemicals analyzed had a wide range of chemical composition but were not adequately sampled to provide useful limits on their chemical and physical composition. A preliminary budget of waste solids dumped in the New York Bight indicates that dredged wastes are a major source of oxygen-demanding substances and potentially troublesome metals.