A review on the migration and transformation of heavy metals influence by alkali/alkaline earth metals during combustion

Alkali/alkaline earth metals(AAEMs) are widely present in various solid fuels. During the combustion process, the AAEMs undergo complex physical and chemical reactions with heavy metals and other minerals in the fuel, thereby affecting the migration and transformation of heavy metals. This paper mainly introduced the influence of AAEMs on the migration and transformation of As, Se, Pb and Cr, including the influence of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals on the migration and transformation of heavy metals, and the influence of particle agglomeration and coherence on heavy metal emissions. AAEMs can inhibit the volatilization of heavy metals. The combination of alkali metals and Cl elements reduces the production of PbCl₂. The presence of alkali metals is beneficial to improve the adsorption efficiency of kaolin for Pb. AAEMs can form stable compounds with As and Se. However, at the same time, it should be noted that in the partial combination products of AAEMs and Cr, Cr exists in a hexavalent state and has high toxicity. AAEMs play a role in promoting and inhibiting the occurrence of agglomeration, respectively. An appropriate content of alkali metals is beneficial to reduce the release of heavy metals. By summarizing the influence of AAEMs on the migration and transformation of heavy metals, it is hoped to provide ideas for reducing the harm of heavy metals.