Stabilization and Solidification of Metal-Laden Wastes by Compaction and Magnesium Phosphate-Based Binder

ABSTRACT

Bench-scale and full-scale investigations of waste stabilization and volume reduction were conducted using spiked soil and ash wastes containing heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Hg. The waste streams were stabilized and solidified using chemically bonded phosphate ceramic (CBPC) binder, and then compacted by either uniaxial or harmonic press for volume reduction. The physical properties of the final waste forms were determined by measuring volume reduction, density, porosity, and compressive strength. The leachability of heavy metals in the final waste forms was determined by a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test and a 90-day immersion test (ANS 16.1). The structural composition and nature of waste forms were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively.

CBPC binder and compaction can achieve 80-wt % waste loading and 39-47% reduction in waste volume. Compressive strength of final waste forms ranged from 1500 to 2000 psi. TCLP testing of waste forms showed that all heavy metals except Hg passed the TCLP limits using the phosphate-based binder. When Na₂S was added to the binder, the waste forms also passed TCLP limits for Hg. Long-term leachability resistance of the final waste forms was achieved for all metals in both soil and ash wastes, and the leachability index was ~14. XRD patterns of waste forms indicated vermiculite in the ash waste was chemically incorporated into the CBPC matrix. SEM showed that waste forms are layered when compacted by uniaxial press and are homogeneous when compacted by harmonic press.     

Investigations of ash topography/morphology and their relationship with heavy metals leachability

The leachability of heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from the ash material obtained from waste combustion was studied. The effects of ash surface topography and morphology on the leachability of these elements were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The AFM (scan size 10 x 10 microns) and SEM images of the simulated ash pellet obtained at various operating temperatures (1000, 1400 and 1500 degrees C) showed significant microstructural and topographical changes. Ash pellets treated at 1000 degrees C contain porous and non-continuous surface. On the other hand, the ash pellet obtained at higher temperature (1500 degrees C) was found to contain a smooth, continuous and non-porous surface. The AFM height profile studies indicated that the top surface variation of the ash pellet at 1000, 1400 and 1500 degrees C were found to be -40.0 to 25.5, -3.7 to 4.7 and -0.10 to 0.66 nm respectively. The SEM analyses also confirmed the presence of smooth, non-porous outer surface of ash formed at 1500 degrees C. In addition, it also showed the presence of compact and rigid interior for the same ash pellet. The leachability of the heavy metals was determined using standard toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test and the samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that the TCLP leaching ratios of the heavy metals were Cr = 0.30, Pb = 0.05 and Cd = 0.09 at 1000 degrees C. However, the ash obtained at 1400 degrees C showed negligible heavy metals leaching ratio while at 1500 degrees C no leachability was detected (TCLP concentration dropped to nondetectable levels). The use of high temperature treatment enabled the immobilization of heavy metals in the ash preventing their leaching. Such ash can be considered as a non-hazardous material for reuse or safe disposal.     

Cytotoxicity of municipal solid waste incinerator ash wastes toward mammalian kidney cell lines

In this study, three municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) ash wastes-bottom ash, scrubber residue, and baghouse ash-were extracted using a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) extractant. These so-called final TCLP extracts were applied to African green monkey kidney cells (Vero), baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21), and pig kidney cells (PK-15), multi-well absorption reader analysis was performed to test how the cytotoxicity of the incineration ashes would affect the digestive systems of animals. Ion-coupled plasma analyses indicated that the baghouse ash extract possessed the highest pH and heavy metal concentration, its cytotoxicity was also the highest. In contrast, the bottom ash and the scrubber residue exhibited very low cytotoxicities. The cytotoxicities of mixtures of baghouse ash and scrubber residue toward the three tested cell lines increased as the relative ratio of the baghouse ash increased, especially for the Vero cells. The slight cytotoxicity of the scrubber residue arose mainly from the presence of Cr species, whereas the high cytotoxicity of the baghouse ash resulted from its high content of heavy metals and alkali ions. In addition, it appears that the dissolved total organic carbon content of these ash wastes can reduce the cytotoxicity of ash wastes that collect in animal cells.     

Metals leachability from medical waste incinerator fly ash: A case study on particle size comparison

This paper presents the results from a study of metals leachability of medical waste incinerator fly ash in Japan on the basis of particle size. Sequential extraction and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis were carried out in order to quantify the leaching amount of metals in each categorized particle size. Sequential extraction was also subjected to identify the preference of binding matrix of metals. The results of sequential extraction showed an increase both exchangeable and carbonate associated chromium concentrations in the bigger particle size fractions. Likewise, concentrations of carbonate matrix of arsenic and tin tended to increase in the bigger particle size fractions. In contrast, exchangeable associated cadmium as well as both exchangeable and carbonate matrices of barium were found higher in the smaller particle size fractions. However, no correlation was found in Kendal-tau correlation analysis between particle size of the ash and metals leachability of the TCLP.     

水泥对垃圾焚烧飞灰的固化处理试验研究

对垃圾焚烧飞灰的化学成分、重金属物质的含量及浸出浓度进行测试分析.结果表明,飞灰中Pb和Cr等重金属物质浸出量超过浸出毒性标准,因而被认为是危险废物,必须进行固化处理.还考察了水泥对焚烧飞灰中重金属物质固化的效果,研究表明当飞灰掺量适当时,重金属物质的固化效果良好.重金属物质通过物理固封、替代,沉淀反应和吸附等形式可固化进水泥水化产物结构中.     

Waste Streams,Technology, and State Requirements

Biomedical wastes are generated by hospitals, laboratories, animal research facilities, and by other institutional sources. The disposal of these wastes is coming under critical public scrutiny, and regulations are being promulgated to control their disposal. Incineration is not a final disposal method since it generates a solid residue (ash) which must be buried or otherwise disposed. The incineration process, however, renders the waste non-toxic, non-hazardous, and non-putrescible, and reduces the volume of material for ultimate disposal by an order of magnitude. In some instances, the residue may have high levels of heavy metals; however, this is the exception rather than the rule.     

Fluidized-bed-combustion ash for the solidification and stabilization of a metal-hydroxide sludge

Fluidized-bed-combustion (FBC) ash is a by-product from a developing technology for coal-fired power plants that will economically reduce air emissions to meet requirements of the Clean Air Act. FBC ash has physical and chemical properties similar to Portland cement, but only has moderate success as a pozzolan in concrete applications due to low compressive strengths. However, FBC ash has proven effective for use as a binder for the solidification and stabilization (S/S) of metal-bearing sludges. Physical and chemical characterization procedures were used to analyze FBC ash and a metal-bearing sludge obtained from a hazardous waste treatment facility to develop 12 different S/S mix designs. The mix designs consist of four binder designs to evaluate sludge-to-binder ratios of approximately 0, 0.5, and 1. Portland cement is used as a control binder to compare unconfined compressive strengths and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analyses from different ratios of the FBC ash streams: fly ash, char, and spent bed material (SBM). Compressive strengths ranging from 84 lbs per square inch (psi) to 298 psi were obtained from various mix designs containing different sludge-to-ash ratios cured for 28 days. All the mix designs passed the TCLP. Recoveries from leaching for each metal were less than 5% for most mix designs. Results of unconfined compressive strengths, TCLP, and percent recovery calculations indicate that the mix design containing approximately a 1:1 ratio of fly ash to char-and-sludge is the best mix design for the S/S of the metal-bearing sludge.     

城市生活垃圾焚烧处理过程中重金属迁移规律研究

通过采集厦门2个垃圾焚烧发电厂进厂垃圾、渗滤液、飞灰、炉渣和烟气样品,分析垃圾组成成分及各组分的重金属含量,结果表明,垃圾中以厨余、橡塑类和纸类为主,共占到垃圾干基的78．08％,重金属含量大小次序为Zn〉Cu〉Pb〉Cr〉Ni〉Cd〉Hg;垃圾渗滤液中除Zn外,其他金属的含量都较低,一厂渗滤液中重金属Ni、Zn迁移量较大,分别达到24．46％和8．52％。二厂渗滤液中重金属的迁移有相同的趋势,但含量相对较高。垃圾焚烧后其重金属主要分布在飞灰和废渣中,烟气中的含量非常少,不同金属的含量均有差别,这与金属的性质有很大关系;通过浸出毒性分析,飞灰中重金属酸溶态含量多,容易浸出,属于危险废物。同时,不同烟气处理工艺产生的飞灰的重金属浸出量有很大差别。     

Immobilization and volume reduction of heavy metals in municipal solid waste fly ash using nano-size calcium and iron-dispersed reagent

This study was conducted to examine the synthesis and application of novel nano-size calcium/iron-based composite material as an immobilizing and separation treatment of the heavy metals in fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration. After grinding with nano-Fe/Ca/CaO and with nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/[PO₄], approximately 30 wt% and 25 wt% of magnetic fraction fly ash were separated. The highest amount of entrapped heavy metals was found in the lowest weight of the magnetically separated fly ash fraction (i.e., 91% in 25% of treated fly ash). Heavy metals in the magnetic or nonmagnetic fly ash fractions were about 98% and 100% immobilized, respectively. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) observations indicate that the main fraction of enclosed/bound materials on treated fly ash includes Ca/PO₄-associated crystalline complexes. After nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/[PO₄] treatment, the heavy metal concentrations in the fly ash leachate were much lower than the Japan standard regulatory limit for hazardous waste landfills. These results appear to be extremely promising. The addition of a nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/PO₄ mixture with simple grinding technique is potentially applicable for the remediation and volume reduction of fly ash contaminated by heavy metals.

Implications: After grinding with nano-Fe/Ca/CaO and nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/[PO₄], approximately 30 wt% and 25 wt% of magnetic fraction fly ash were separated. The highest amount of entrapped heavy metals was found in the lowest weight of the magnetically separated fly ash fraction (i.e., 91% in 25% of treated fly ash), whereas heavy metals either in the magnetic or nonmagnetic fly ash fractions were about 98% and 100% immobilized. These results appear to be very promising, and the addition of nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/PO₄ mixture with simple grinding technique may be considered potentially applicable for the remediation and volume reduction of contaminated fly ash by heavy metals.     

Limitations of the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure for providing a conservative estimate of landfilled municipal solid waste incineration ash leaching

Limitations of the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) for simulating pollutant leaching from wastes disposed of in full-scale landfills are well understood in the waste management profession; the TCLP solution has a lower pH and greater organic acid content than typical landfill leachate. The TCLP serves its intended regulatory objective, however, as long as a conservative estimate of leaching is provided. Here, we examine TCLP’s ability to represent worst-case leaching conditions for monofilled municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash. A critical examination of TCLP’s applicability to MSWI ash is especially relevant, as ash management at MSWI facilities often centers on passing TCLP, regardless of environmental risk posed by the ash or its recyclability. Multiple batch leaching tests were conducted on different MSWI ash streams: mixed ash, fly ash, and different size fractions of bottom ash. Batch-test results were compared with leachate simulating MSWI ash monofills. The TCLP did not consistently provide the most conservative estimate of leaching, supporting the need to consider alternative methodologies in future regulatory development.

Implications: This paper analyzes the existing hazardous waste regulatory testing requirement for municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) ash management to evaluate whether the TCLP serves its intended purpose in providing the most conservative estimate of landfilled MSWI ash. The results will serve as guidance and motivation for policy makers and the regulatory community to reevaluate the TCLP’s application for characterizing MSWI ash leaching in certain disposal scenarios and could promote consideration of alternative testing procedures based upon results of this study. This study serves to promote representative and accurate quantification of leaching risk from MSWI ash.     

Assessment of the mechanical stability and chemical leachability of immobilized electroplating waste

The effectiveness of cement based treatment technology, in immobilizing chromium laden electroplating sludge was assessed by conducting toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). The mechanical stability of the blocks was tested by measuring the compressive strength. Other leaching tests such as NEN 7341 test, ANS 16.1 and multiple TCLP (MTCLP) test conducted on select solidified blocks showed that chromium was immobilized by the binder studied. A linear relationship was obtained between the cumulative fraction of chromium leached (CFL) and square root of time in the solidified samples proving that diffusion is the controlling mechanism for leaching of chromium. The leachability indices (LI) obtained for the solidified materials using cement and cement-fly ash system (EPC6, EPFC6A and EPFC6B) satisfy the guidance value as per US NRC, which clearly indicates that chromium is well retained within the solid matrix. Chromium concentrations in the TCLP leachates of the above mix ratios were well within the regulatory level of United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Molecular characterization of the solidified material was carried out using Fourier transformation infra red (FTIR) technique.     

Thermal Encapsulation of Metals in Superfund Soils

Abstract

Superfund sites frequently contain both heavy metals and organic hazardous waste. If not properly controlled, the metals may be changed to a more leachable form and may also be emitted to the atmosphere via the exhaust stack. This paper documents a batch kiln R&D test program to solve these metal-related problems. It was performed under the U.S. EPA’s SITE (Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation) Emerging Technology Program. Allis Mineral Systems has developed the Thermal Encapsulation Process. Metals with limits set by EPA’s TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) test and BIF (boiler and industrial furnace) stack emission regulations, such as cadmium, chromium, and lead, are the initial target of this process. This process, while unproven in these areas, may also apply to mixed waste (EPA hazardous waste/low-level radioactive wastes) and may also benefit commercial hazardous waste or Superfund thermal treatment systems. The results of the SITE tests were positive: strong, durable nodules were produced with excellent crush strength and improved resistance to leaching. Feed preparation, particularly control of moisture content, was found to be a key element in initiation of agglomeration. A good correlation was found between decreasing TCLP metals leachate levels and increasing crush strength.     

Mobility of Pb, Cu, and Zn in the phosphorus-amended contaminated soils under simulated landfill and rainfall conditions

Phosphorus-bearing materials have been widely applied in immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated soils. However, the study on the stability of the initially P-induced immobilized metals in the contaminated soils is far limited. This work was conducted to evaluate the mobility of Pb, Cu, and Zn in two contrasting contaminated soils amended with phosphate rock tailing (PR) and triple superphosphate fertilizer (TSP), and their combination (P?+?T) under simulated landfill and rainfall conditions. The main objective was to determine the stability of heavy metals in the P-treated contaminated soils in response to the changing environment conditions. The soils were amended with the P-bearing materials at a 2:1 molar ratio of P to metals. After equilibrated for 2 weeks, the soils were evaluated with the leaching procedures. The batch-based toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) was conducted to determine the leachability of heavy metals from both untreated and P-treated soils under simulated landfill condition. The column-based synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) were undertaken to measure the downward migration of metals from untreated and P-treated soils under simulated rainfall condition. Leachability of Pb, Cu, and Zn in the TCLP extract followed the order of Zn?>?Cu?>?Pb in both soils, with the organic-C- and clay-poor soil showing higher metal leachability than the organic-C- and clay-rich soil. All three P treatments reduced leachability of Pb, Cu, and Zn by up to 89.2, 24.4, and 34.3 %, respectively, compared to the untreated soil, and TSP revealed more effectiveness followed by P?+?T and then PR. The column experiments showed that Zn had the highest downward migration upon 10 pore volumes of SPLP leaching, followed by Pb and then Cu in both soils. However, migration of Pb and Zn to subsoil and leachate were inhibited in the P-treated soil, while Cu in the leachate was enhanced by P treatment in the organic-C-rich soil. More than 73 % P in the amendments remained in the upper 0–10 cm soil layers. However, leaching of P from soluble TSP was significant with 24.3 % of P migrated in the leachate in the organic-C-poor soil. The mobility of heavy metals in the P-treated soil varies with nature of P sources, heavy metals, and soils. Caution should be taken on the multi-metal stabilization since the P amendment may immobilize some metals while promoting others’ mobility. Also, attention should be paid to the high leaching of P from soluble P amendments since it may pose the risk of excessive P-induced eutrophication.     

Preparation and characterization of green bricks using pharmaceutical industrial wastes

This paper reports on recycling of industrial wastes (three pharmaceutical industrial sludges) into environmental friendly value-added materials. Stabilization/Solidification (S/S or bricks) process was applied to make a safer way for the utilization of pharmaceutical waste. The additives in this study include binders (cement, lime and bentonite) and strengthening material (pulverized fuel ash (PFA), silica fume and quarry dust) was used at different compositions. Bricks were cured for 28 days, and the following analysis-like compressive strength, leachability of heavy metals, mineralogical phase identity by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal behaviour by thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) had done. All the bricks were observed to achieve the standard compressive strength as required for construction according to BIS standards. Metal concentration in the leachate has reached the dischargeable limits according to Brazilian standards. Results of this study demonstrate that production of bricks is a promising and achievable productive use of pharmaceutical sludge.     

Leachates of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash from Macao: heavy metal concentrations and genotoxicity

Heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) may leach into soil and groundwater and pose long-term risks to the environment. In this study, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) was carried out on the MSWIBA from Macao. Heavy metals in leachates were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and genotoxicity of leachates was also evaluated by micronucleus (MN) assay with Vicia faba root tip cells. The results showed that the concentrations of aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in the leachates were less than 0.01 mg l(-1), and those of iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) were less than 0.1 mg l(-1). The concentrations of chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selemium (Se), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) and caesium (Cs) were between 0.11 mg l(-1) and 2.19 mg l(-1). Lead (Pb) concentrations, in particular, reached as high as 19.6 mg l(-1), significantly exceeding the maximum concentration limit (5 mg l(-1) for lead by TCLP). Compared with the negative group, a significant increase of MN frequencies was observed in the leachate-exposed groups (P<0.05). With the increase of heavy metals in the leachates, the toxic effects on the Vicia faba root tip cells increased, implying that heavy metals were the main factors causing the genotoxic effects. Our results suggested that apart from chemical analysis, bioassays like the MN assay of Vicia faba root tip cells should also be included in a battery of tests to assess the eco-environmental risks of bottom ashes before decisions can be made on the utilization, treatment or disposal.     

矿区炼金废渣的固化/稳定化处理

通过对金矿矿区炼金废渣的酸中和能力、净产酸量及浸出毒性实验,测定了废渣的产酸潜力及重金属砷、镉、铅、锌的总量和它们的浸出量。为了合理处置矿区炼金废渣,并为矿区重金属污染土壤的修复提供技术支持,采用石灰、粉煤灰、堆肥化污泥作为添加剂对废渣进行固化/稳定化处理;通过浸出毒性实验对固化/稳定化处理效果进行综合分析,试图寻求一种最佳的稳定剂。结果表明,无论是单独添加石灰、粉煤灰或者堆肥化污泥还是两两组合混合添加,样品浸出液的pH都有升高,As、Cd的浸出浓度都有明显下降,而且两两组合添加比单独添加的固化/稳定化处理效果更好。在两两组合添加中,粉煤灰混合堆肥化污泥的处理效果最好,浸出液的pH值达到7.82,As、Cd的浸出率分别下降72.0%和72.2%。说明粉煤灰混合堆肥化污泥处理炼金废渣效果最佳,同时具有以废治污的资源化生态效能。     

Mercury Measurement and Its Control: What We Know,Have Learned,and Need to Further Investigate

Disposal of mercury waste has always provided unique challenges due to its high degree of complexity and volatility. This study evaluated the feasibility of using waste LF slag to form a cementitious matrix capable of providing an effective stabilization/solidification solution for the treatment of mercury wastes. The new matrix was synthesized and simulated through a combination of alkali activation and autoclaving process and doped with mercury nitrate at increasing dosage while monitoring the final form of the mercury and its effects on the mineral stability and structure of the new matrix. Compressive strength of up to 20 N/mm² was achievable for the original matrix. Promising results were obtained in terms of reduced leachability of the mercury when compared to ordinary Portland cement systems at low doping concentration of around 0.5% by weight. A series of precipitation reactions was found to be the main cause responsible for this successful stabilization, especially the metal sulfide precipitation that occurred with the sulfur present in the original waste LF slag.

Implications: Using waste to treat waste as a concept is a new approach that not only solves waste disposal problems but also minimizes the toxicity and the potential hazard of leaching of heavy metals. This study evaluated the feasibility of using waste ladle furnace slag generated from steel-making industries to form a cementitious matrix capable of providing an effective stabilization/solidification solution for the treatment of mercury-containing wastes. Promising results were obtained, and it clearly showed this approach is feasible, which could be a one-stone-kills-two-birds solution for mercury stabilization as well as an industrial waste disposal problem.     

Evaluation of the stability of arsenic immobilized by microbial sulfate reduction using TCLP extractions and long-term leaching techniques

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the stability or leachability of arsenic immobilized by microbial sulfate reduction. Anoxic solid-phase samples taken from a bioreactor previously used to treat metal and As contaminated water using sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) were subjected to the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and long-term column leaching tests. The results from TCLP experiments showed that the concentration of As leached from solid-phase sulfide material (SSM) samples after an 18 h extraction time was <300 microgl(-1), which is below the current maximum Australian TCLP leachate value for As, and thus would not be characterized as a hazardous waste. In terms of percent total As leached, this was equivalent to <8.5% for SSM samples initially containing 61.3 mgkg(-1) As. The levels of As extracted by the TCLP was found to be significantly lowered or underestimated in the presence of dissolved oxygen, with As concentrations increasing with decreasing headspace-to-leachant volume ratios. The concentration of As was also consistently higher in nitrogen purged extractions compared to those performed in air. This was attributed to the dissolution of Fe-sulfide precipitates and subsequent oxidation of Fe(II) ions and precipitation of ferric(hydr)oxides, resulting in the adsorption of soluble As and corresponding decrease in As concentrations. According to the experimental data, it is recommended that TCLP tests for As leachability should be performed at least in zero-headspace vessels or preferably under nitrogen to minimize the oxidation of Fe(II) to ferric(hydr)oxides. In long-term leaching studies (approximately 68 days), it was found that the low solubility of the SSM ensured that rate of release of As was relatively slow, and the resulting leachate concentrations of As were below the current Australian guideline concentration for arsenic in drinking water.     

Screening of heavy metal containing waste types for use as raw material in Arctic clay-based bricks

In the vulnerable Arctic environment, the impact of especially hazardous wastes can have severe consequences and the reduction and safe handling of these waste types are therefore an important issue. In this study, two groups of heavy metal containing particulate waste materials, municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly and bottom ashes and mine tailings (i.e., residues from the mineral resource industry) from Greenland were screened in order to determine their suitability as secondary resources in clay-based brick production. Small clay discs, containing 20 or 40% of the different particulate waste materials, were fired and material properties and heavy metal leaching tests were conducted before and after firing. Remediation techniques (washing in distilled water and electrodialytical treatment) applied to the fly ash reduced leaching before firing. The mine tailings and bottom ash brick discs obtained satisfactory densities (1669–2007 kg/m³) and open porosities (27.9–39.9%). In contrast, the fly ash brick discs had low densities (1313–1578 kg/m³) and high open porosities (42.1–51. %). However, leaching tests on crushed brick discs revealed that heavy metals generally became more available after firing for all the investigated materials and that further optimisation is therefore necessary prior to incorporation in bricks.     

Arsenic and copper stabilisation in a contaminated soil by coal fly ash and green waste compost

In situ metal stabilisation by amendments has been demonstrated as an appealing low-cost remediation strategy for contaminated soil. This study investigated the short-term leaching behaviour and long-term stability of As and Cu in soil amended with coal fly ash and/or green waste compost. Locally abundant inorganic (limestone and bentonite) and carbonaceous (lignite) resources were also studied for comparison. Column leaching experiments revealed that coal fly ash outperformed limestone and bentonite amendments for As stabilisation. It also maintained the As stability under continuous leaching of acidic solution, which was potentially attributed to high-affinity adsorption, co-precipitation, and pozzolanic reaction of coal fly ash. However, Cu leaching in the column experiments could not be mitigated by any of these inorganic amendments, suggesting the need for co-addition of carbonaceous materials that provides strong chelation with oxygen-containing functional groups for Cu stabilisation. Green waste compost suppressed the Cu leaching more effectively than lignite due to the difference in chemical composition and dissolved organic matter. After 9-month soil incubation, coal fly ash was able to minimise the concentrations of As and Cu in the soil solution without the addition of carbonaceous materials. Nevertheless, leachability tests suggested that the provision of green waste compost and lignite augmented the simultaneous reduction of As and Cu leachability in a fairly aggressive leaching environment. These results highlight the importance of assessing stability and remobilisation of sequestered metals under varying environmental conditions for ensuring a plausible and enduring soil stabilisation.