Leachability of Cr(VI) and other metals from asphalt composites with addition of filter dust

The potential use of filter dust in asphalt composites for road construction was investigated. Filter dust contains high concentrations of metals, of which Cr(VI) and Pb are leached with water. Compact and ground asphalt composites with addition of 2% of filter dust by mass were studied. In order to evaluate their environmental impact, leachability tests were performed using water and salt water as leaching agents. The concentrations of Cr(VI) and Pb were determined in leachates over a time period of 182 days. The results indicated that Pb was not leached with leaching agents from asphalt composites. Cr(VI) was also not leached with leaching agents from compact asphalt composites. However, in ground asphalt composites, Cr(VI) was leached with water in concentrations up to 220 microg L(-1) and in salt water up to 150 microg L(-1). From the physico-mechanical and environmental aspects, filter dust can be used as a component in asphalt mixtures.     

Assessment of the leaching of metallic elements in the technology of solidification in aqueous solution

Results are presented of experiments performed to optimize the solidification/stabilization system for metallic elements in aqueous solution. This system involves mixing cement and a solution of metallic elements in a conventional mixer: the paste thus obtained is transferred drop by drop into a recipient filled with an aqueous solution of NaOH at 20% by weight, in which it solidifies immediately. The separate use of chloride solutions of Li+, Cr3+, Pb2+ and Zn2+ makes it possible to obtain granules displaying various levels of compressive strength. Three different inertization matrices were used in the experiments, the first consisting solely of Portland cement, the second of Portland cement and a superplasticizer additive, and the third of Portland cement partially replaced with silica-fume and superplasticizer. The results of the tests performed showed a very low level of leaching into the alkaline solidification solution for Cr3+, the quantity leached being under 2% as against higher levels for the other metallic elements. For all the considered elements, the best results were obtained by using silica-fume in the inertization matrix.     

Preparation of MgCr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> from waste tannery solution and effect of sulfate,chloride, and calcium on leachability of chromium

This paper presents a study regarding the preparation of MgCr₂O₄ from waste tannery solution, and chromium leaching behavior is also investigated with varying amounts of sulfate, chloride and calcium. The phase transformation, crystallinity index and crystallite diameter were characterized using XRD, FT-IR and thermal analysis. A well-crystallized MgCr₂O₄ was successfully prepared at 1400 °C. The sintering temperature had a major impact on the formation of MgCr₂O₄ compared with sintering time. The MgCr₂O₄ phase was observed initially at 400 °C and its crystallite diameter increased with increasing temperature. The concentration of total chromium leached and Cr(VI) decreased gradually with increasing temperature. The considerable amount of Cr(VI) was found in the leachate at 300–500 °C caused by Cr(VI) intermediary products. Sulfate and chlorine could impact the transformation efficiency of chromium adversely, and chlorine has a more significant effect than sulfate. The presence of calcium disturbed the formation of MgCr₂O₄ and new chromium species (CaCrO₄) appeared, which resulted in a sharp increase in the concentration of leached Cr(VI). Incorporating Cr(III) into the MgCr₂O₄ spinel for reusable products reduced its mobility significantly. This was demonstrated to be a promising strategy for the disposal of chromium containing waste resource.     

The leaching behavior of borate waste glass SL-1

Vitrification is an attractive approach for treatment of the borate waste from nuclear power plants. SL-1 glass is a suitable borosilicate glass form to solidify the borate waste containing relatively high quantities of B and Na. The leaching behavior of SL-1 glass in deionized water has been investigated. Compared to the HLW-glass, the network structure of SL-1 glass is weak. It was found that the ion-exchange reactions dominated the glass corrosion process with water in low temperature leaching conditions (⩽70°C). The ion-exchange and network hydrolysis reactions together controlled the glass dissolution in high temperature leaching conditions (>70°C). There was a peak in leach rate at about 70°C and a valley at about 110°C. The surface layer thickness was about 25 μm (MCC-1, 90°C for 28 days in deionized water). Na was almost totally depleted in the surface layer. At low temperature, the glass corrosion increases with leaching time. The glass corrosion remains about constant with leaching time at 90°C. The surface layer formed at 90°C is protective, which is less porous than the surface layer formed at 40 and 70°C.     

铬污染土壤处理中的铬含量及形态变化

采用FeSO_4和Na_2S作为还原剂处理铬污染紫色土壤,研究了还原过程中铬的含量及形态的变化。实验结果表明:当FeSO_4加入量为1.5%(w,下同)时,浸出Cr(Ⅵ)含量由(1 745.13±27.93)mg/kg降至(17.65±2.28)mg/kg,浸出总铬含量由(1 768.83±57.24)mg/kg降至(69.79±8.61)mg/kg,铬形态由水溶+碳酸盐结合态转变到较稳定的铁锰结合态;当Na_2S加入量为0.4%时,浸出Cr(Ⅵ)含量由(1 745.13±27.93)mg/kg降至(25.50±0.12)mg/kg,浸出总铬含量由(1 768.83±57.24)mg/kg降至(410.87±12.83)mg/kg,铬形态由水溶+碳酸盐结合态转变到铁锰结合态和有机结合态。     

Evidence of Al-Cr interactions affecting Cr-leaching from waste incineration ashes

Leaching tests on flue gas ashes from waste incineration showed low leaching of Cr from ashes that under moist anaerobic conditions also produced hydrogen gas. In some cases, also the redox levels (aerobic/anaerobic conditions) during the leaching test affected Cr leaching. Aerobic ashes tested in an open batch leaching test leached Cr up to 2-3 orders of magnitude more than the ashes kept moist under anaerobic conditions and tested in a closed leaching test. Model experiments showed that metallic Al could reduce Cr and at the same time produce H(2). The hydrogen gas per se could not reduce Cr. Laboratory experiments with ashes provided evidence that metallic Al, present naturally in the ashes or amended, could reduce Cr under moist anaerobic, but not under aerobic storage. Significant Cr reduction was linked to, but not caused by hydrogen formation. The reduced Cr seemed to be partially reoxidizable upon aeration or drying. The observations presented provide a basis for understanding the complexity of Cr leaching from waste incineration ashes, as for example, why some chemical stabilization methods increase Cr leaching, and point out the need for standardizing leaching test conditions with respect to Cr.     

Vitrification of electric arc furnace dusts

Electric arc furnace baghouse dust (EAFD), a waste by-product of the steelmaking process, contains the elements that are volatilized from the charge during the melting (Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd). The results of leaching tests show that the concentration of these elements exceeds the regulatory limits. Consequently, EAFD cannot be disposed of in ordinary landfill sites without stabilization of the heavy metals. In this work, the vitrification of EAFD, from both carbon and stainless steel productions, were studied. The vitrification process was selected as the inertizing process because it permits the immobilization of the hazardous elements in the glass network and represents an environmentally acceptable method for the stabilization of this waste. Classes of various compositions were obtained by mixing EAFD with glass cullet and sand. The EAFD and the glass products were characterized by DTA, TG, X-ray analysis and by the TCLP test. The results show that the stability of the product is influenced by the glass structure, which mainly depends on the Si/O ratio. Secondary crystallization heat-treatment were carried out on some samples. The results highlighted the formation of spinel phases, which reduced the chemical durability in acid media. The possibility to recover Zn from carbon steel production EAFD was investigated and about 60-70% of metal recovery was obtained. The resulting glass show higher chemical stability than glasses obtained without metal recovery.     

Production of brown and black pigments by using flotation waste from copper slag.

One of the major problems in copper-producing countries is the treatment of the large amount of copper slag or copper flotation waste generated from copper slag which contains significant amounts of heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Pb and Co. Dumping or disposal of such large quantities of flotation waste from copper slag causes environmental and space problems. In this study, the treatment of flotation waste from copper slag by a thermal method and its use as an iron source in the production of inorganic brown and black pigments that are used in the ceramic industry were investigated. The pigments were produced by calcining different amounts of flotation waste and chromite, Cr2O3, ZnO and CoO mixtures. The pigments obtained were added to transparent ceramic glazes and porcelainized tile bodies. Their colours were defined by L*a*b* measurements with a spectrophotometer. The results showed that flotation waste from copper slag could be used as an iron source to produce brown and black pigments in both ceramic body and glazes.     

Thermodynamic estimation of minor element distribution between immiscible liquids in Fe-Cu-based metal phase generated in melting treatment of municipal solid wastes

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has become an important target in managing material cycles from the viewpoint of not only waste management and control of environmental pollution but also resource conservation. This study investigated the distribution tendency of trace elements in municipal solid waste (MSW) or incinerator ash, including valuable non-ferrous metals (Ni, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ti, V, W, Zr), precious group metals (PGMs) originated from WEEE (Ag, Au, Pd, Pt), and others (Al, B, Pb, Si), between Fe-rich and Cu-rich metal phases by means of simple thermodynamic calculations. Most of the typical alloying elements for steel (Co, Cr, Mo, Nb, Ni, Si, Ti, V, and W) and Rh were preferentially distributed into the Fe-rich phase. PGMs, such as Au, Ag, and Pd, were enriched in the Cu-rich phase, whereas Pt was almost equally distributed into both phases. Since the primary metallurgical processing of Cu is followed by an electrolysis for refining, and since PGMs in crude copper have been industrially recovered from the resulting anode slime, our results indicated that Ag, Au, and Pd could be effectively recovered from MSW if the Cu-rich phase could be selectively collected.     

Recycling of calcium fluoride sludge as ceramic material using low temperature sintering technology

The Chinese integrated circuit industry has been transformed from a small state-owned sector into a global competitor, but chip manufacturing produces large amounts of calcium fluoride sludge (CFS). The current treating method is landfill in China. In order to solve the problem of unavailable landfill sites and the dissolved CFS polluting water sources, CFS was tested as a component for a ceramic product made with sodium borate, sodium phosphate, and waste alumina using a low temperature sintering technology. The ceramic was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), microstructure, compressive strength. XRD and microstructure analyses verified that CFS was transformed into Na₂Ca(PO₄)F as an inert crystalline phase in ceramic, which is enclosed by the borophosphate glass liquid phase. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure and corrosion resistance tests verified that fluorine from CFS was solidified in the inert crystalline phase, which did not release to cause secondary pollution. This novel technology produces high-performance ceramic as a construction material, in accordance with the concept of sustainable development.     

Characterization of a thermal power plant air heater washing waste: a case study from Iran.

In Iran most of the electricity is generated by thermal power plants. As a result of fuel oil burning in winter time, the air heaters of the boilers have to be washed and cleaned frequently. The wastewater originating from air heater washing is then treated in an effluent treatment plant by chemical precipitation followed by dewatering of the sludge produced. The resulting waste is classified as specific industrial waste that should be characterized in detail under the Waste Management Act of Iran. The quantity of this waste produced in the studied power plant is about 20 tonnes year(-1). In the present investigation, the first to be carried out in Iran, seven composite samples of dewatered sludge from air heater washing wastewater treatment were subjected to investigation of the physical properties, chemical composition and leaching properties. The most likely pollutants that were of concern in this study were heavy and other hazardous metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and V). The results revealed that mean pH, wet and dry density and moisture content of the waste were 6.31, 1532 kg m(-30, 1879 kg m(-3) and 15.35%, respectively. Magnetite, SiO2, P2O5, CaO, Al2O3 and MgO were the main constituents of the waste with a weight percentage order of 68.88, 5.91, 3.39, 2.64, 2.59 and 1.76%, respectively. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test results for some heavy and other hazardous metals showed that mean elemental concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in leachate were 0.06, 1.55, 5.49, 36.32, 209.10, 0.58, 314.06 and 24.84 mg L(-1), respectively. According to the Waste Management Act of Iran this waste should be classified as hazardous and should be disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste disposal regulations.     

用Co3O4催化剂光催化氧化活性染料

以沉淀一热解法制备了纳米级Co3O4催化剂，并用X射线衍射仪、红外光谱仪对Co3O4催化剂进行了表征。以300W高压汞灯为光源，研究了Co3O4催化剂对不同活性染料的光催化氧化活性。实验结果表明：在活性染料质量浓度为20mg／L、250mL染料溶液中Co3O4催化剂加入量为150mg、反应2h的条件下，Co3O4催化剂对B—GFF黑、B—RN蓝、K—NR艳蓝3种活性染料溶液的脱色率分别为95％，87％，77％；适当加入酸或碱有利于提高处理效率，反应后染料溶液的pH为7．12～8．37，染料溶液初始pH为10．00时的脱色率最高为100％；Co3O4催化剂具有一定的再利用价值。     

Characterization of MSWI bottom ashes towards utilization as glass raw material

The characterization of the bottom ashes produced by two Portuguese municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) was performed with the aim of assessing the feasibility of using this waste as raw material in the production of glass that can be further processed as glass-ceramics for application in construction. Density and particle size distribution measurements were carried out for physical characterization. Chemical characterization revealed that SiO(2), a network glass former oxide, was present in a relatively high content (52-58wt%), indicating the suitability for this waste to be employed in the development of vitreous materials. CaO, Na(2)O and K(2)O, which act as fluxing agents, were present in various amounts (2-17wt%) together with several other oxides normally present in ceramic and glass raw materials. Mineralogical characterization revealed that the main crystalline phases were quartz (SiO(2)) and calcite (CaCO(3)) and that minor amounts of different alkaline and alkaline-earth aluminosilicate phases were also present. Thermal characterization showed that the decomposition of the different compounds occurred up to 1100 degrees C and that total weight loss was <10wt%. Heating both bottom ashes at 1400 degrees C for 2h resulted in a melt with suitable viscosity to be poured into a mould, and homogeneous black-coloured glasses with a smooth shiny surface were obtained after cooling. The vitrified bottom ashes were totally amorphous as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The results from the present experimental work indicate that the examined bottom ashes can be a potential material to melt and to obtain a glass that can be further processed as glass-ceramics to be applied in construction.     

Synthesis of chromium-containing pigments from chromium recovered from leather waste

Cobalt-chromite green and chrome-tin pink pigments have been prepared from chromium extracted from leather shavings produced as a waste product of the leather-tanning industry. The alkaline agent (NaOH, CaO, MgO, NH4OH) used in the extraction process influences the nature of the final product. The effect of the NH4OH:CaO ratio on the final product in the case of cobalt-chromite green was examined. The pigments obtained were characterized by FT-IR and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Colour measurements were compared with those recorded from materials prepared from pure Cr2O3. The leaching of Cr(VI) from the materials was examined by UV spectroscopy.     

Comparison of leaching characteristics of heavy metals from bottom and fly ashes in Korea and Japan

The objective of this research was to compare the leaching characteristics of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, etc., in Korean and Japanese municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash. The rate of leaching of heavy metal was measured by KSLT and JTL-13, and the amount of heavy metals leached was compared with the metal content in each waste component. Finally, bio-availability testing was performed to assess the risks associated with heavy metals leached from bottom ash and fly ash. From the results, the value of neutralization ability in Japanese fly ash was four times higher than that in Korean fly ash. The reason was the difference in the content of Ca(OH)(2) in fly ash. The amount of lead leached exceeded the regulatory level in both Japanese and Korean fly ash. The rate of leaching was relatively low in ash with a pH in the range of 6-10. The bio-availability test in fly ash demonstrated that the amount of heavy metals leached was Pb>Cd>Cr, but the order was changed to Pb>Cr>Cd in the bottom ash. The leaching concentration of lead exceeded the Japanese risk level in all fly ashes from the two countries, but the leaching concentration of cadmium exceeded the regulatory level in Korean fly ash only.     

Treatment of electronic waste to recover metal values using thermal plasma coupled with acid leaching--a response surface modeling approach

The global crisis of the hazardous electronic waste (E-waste) is on the rise due to increasing usage and disposal of electronic devices. A process was developed to treat E-waste in an environmentally benign process. The process consisted of thermal plasma treatment followed by recovery of metal values through mineral acid leaching. In the thermal process, the E-waste was melted to recover the metal values as a metallic mixture. The metallic mixture was subjected to acid leaching in presence of depolarizer. The leached liquor mainly contained copper as the other elements like Al and Fe were mostly in alloy form as per the XRD and phase diagram studies. Response surface model was used to optimize the conditions for leaching. More than 90% leaching efficiency at room temperature was observed for Cu, Ni and Co with HCl as the solvent, whereas Fe and Al showed less than 40% efficiency.     

Leaching of metals from fly ashes in the presence of complexing agents

The leachability of some metals (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ti, Zn) from fly ashes was studied in the presence of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and naturally occurring complexing agents-humic acids (HAs). Secondary complex-forming equilibria taking place in the leachates increase significantly the leached amounts of most metals. Kinetic experiments showed that almost the whole "available" amounts of metals are leached from fly ash within a time period of several hours (mostly within 20 h), with exceptions of matrix constituents (typically aluminium), which are released more slowly.     

Chemical durability of glasses obtained by vitrification of industrial wastes

The vitrification of zinc-hydrometallurgy wastes, electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), drainage mud, and granite mud was shown to immobilize the hazardous components in these wastes. Batch compositions were prepared by mixing the wastes with glass-cullet and sand to force the final glass composition into the glass forming region of the SiO2-Fe2O3-(CaO, MgO) system. The vitrification was carried out in the 1400-1450 degrees C temperature range followed by quenching in water or on stainless steel mold. The United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) toxic characterization leaching procedure (TCLP) test was used as a standard method for evaluating the leachability of the elements in the glasses and glass-ceramics samples made with different percentages of wastes. The results for EAFD glasses highlighted that the chemical stability is influenced by the glass structure formed, which, in turn, depends on the Si/O ratio in the glass. The chemical durability of jarosite glasses and glass-ceramics was evaluated by 24 h contact in NaOH, HCl and Na2CO3, at 95 degrees C. Jarosite glass-ceramics containing pyroxene (J40) are more durable than the parent glass in HCl. Jarosite glass-ceramics containing magnetite type spinels (J50) have a durability similar to the parent glass and even lower in HCl because the magnetite is soluble in HCl.     

Effects of the type of sintering atmosphere on the chromium leachability of thermal-treated municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash

The sintering process offers an opportunity to combine detoxification and resource recovery for the treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator fly ash. However, the chromium (Cr) in the sintered fly ash becomes more readily leachable with increasing sintering time and temperature, thus posing severe threats to the environment and human health when the sintered ash is recycled or reused. This study investigated the enhanced leachability of fly ash containing Cr, by heating the chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3)-spiked fly ash to 800 degrees C in atmospheres containing air, nitrogen gas (N2), and 5% H2 + 95% N2, respectively. The results indicated that trivalent chromium was converted to its soluble hexavalent form during sintering in the air atmosphere; whereas sintering in a nitrogen atmosphere significantly reduced the leachability of Cr due to lack of oxygen (O2) to oxidize. The effects of the sintering temperature on the total chromium content and the leaching concentration in the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) extract are also discussed.     

Chemical and mineralogical evaluation of slag products derived from the pyrolysis/melting treatment of MSW

This paper provides the results of studies on the characteristics of novel material derived from pyrolysis/melting treatment of municipal solid waste in Japan. Slag products from pyrolysis/melting plants were sampled for the purpose of detailed phase analysis and characterization of heavy metal-containing phases using optical microscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), XRF and XRD. The study revealed that the slag material contains glass (over 95%), oxide and silicate minerals (spinel, melilite, pseudowollastonite), as well as individual metallic inclusions as the major constituents. A distinct chemical diversity was discovered in the interstitial glass in terms of silica content defined as low and high silica glass end members. Elevated concentrations of Zn, Cr, Cu, Pb and Ba were recorded in the bulk composition. Cu, Pb and Ba behave as incompatible elements since they have been markedly characterized as part of polymetallic alloys and insignificantly sulfides in the form of spherical metallic inclusions associated with tracer amounts of other elements such as Sb, Sn, Ni, Zn, Al, P and Si. In contrast, an appreciable amount of Zn is retained by zinc-rich end members of spinel and partially by melilite and silica glass. Chromium exhibits similar behavior, and is considerably held by Cr-rich spinel. The intense incorporation of Zn and Cr into spinel indicates the very effective enrichment of these two elements into phases more environmentally resistant than glass. There was no evidence, however, that Cu and Pb enter into the structure of the crystalline silicates or oxides that may lead to their easier leachability upon exposure to the environment.