PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL WASTE ASH AS A PAVING BLOCK: IMPACTS TO AIR QUALITY AND HEAVY METALS IN PRODUCT

Abstract

In compliance with regulation of the Republic of Indonesia 22 of 2021, hazardous and toxic waste (B3) producers are obligated to use B3 waste. The purpose of this research is to assess the influence of using ash from incinerated medical waste on air quality and to identify the concentration of heavy metals in paving block products such that its use is ecologically and environmentally benign. Air quality is measured as dust present in it using the Gravimetry technique, while noise was measured using a Sound Level Meter. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) was used to determine the level of lead Pb, nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd) compounds in the product. The usage of medical waste ash had an influence on the environment with respect to air quality in the form of dust with a value that exceeds the prescribed quality standard threshold, but noise values on the environment and health can be tolerated. Ash from the burning of medical waste has the potential to be used as paving blocks with a soaking period of between seven and 14 days, with metal levels of Ni, Cu, and Cd well below the quality limits imposed by the government. Unlike the heavy metal compound Pb, above the TCLP B (0.5 mg/l). Medical waste ash has the potential to be used as paving blocks with the addition of a pozzolanic composition so that it can bind the maximum amount to heavy metals.