Mathematical modelling for parametric assessment of general toxicity of wastes containing metals

Abstract

The polynomial static predictive mathematical model was used to assess general toxicity of the selected groups of waste substances on the basis of heavy metal leached forms. The absolute value of waste substances was calculated for waste samples with metals determined by using TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure). Gradient factors for general toxicity equation in the form of y(x1, x2, x3, …, xn) = ax1 + bx2 + cx3 + … + nxn were selected with the use of weighted mean, considering the weight of their toxicological properties. The value of y was calculated by adding up experimentally determined individual residual concentrations of elements, taking into account their weighted fraction in the total toxic load. Seeking the assessment criterion, it was assumed that the contents of metals leached from the tested wastes that may occur in toxic concentrations is hazardous for the components of biosphere when the value of general toxicity fulfils the relation: y(x1, x2, x3, …, xn) ≥ 1. Basing on computing for the assumed model of general toxicity for selected wastes and considering the verification of the model with reference to the toxicity criteria defined in TCLP, it was found that there was a coincidence between the achieved results.