Speciation of heavy metals in municipal composts

Polish composts obtained from municipal wastes by the DANO technology have been examined. The total contents of major components and heavy metals were determined and the speciation of the latter was carried out. This was performed using two sequential extraction techniques (Tessier's meted and a modified Tessier's method) as well as single extractions. The determination of Individual elements was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization. On the basis of a comparison of the obtained results a simple test for evaluation of composts is proposed.