Removal of B, Cr, Mo, and Se from wastewater by incorporation into hydrocalumite and ettringite

Distribution and enrichment of trace metals in marine sediments from the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic, off the Coast of Ghana in the Gulf of Guinea

We present results of a preliminary geochemical assessment of Cd, Pb, V, As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mg, Al, K, Ca, and Fe in marine sediments from the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic, off the Coast of Ghana. Samples were taken along 4 regions G1, G2, G3 and G4 at approximately 25m, 100m, and 250m, 500m and 1000m depths. Elemental compositions were assessed through the estimation of Al-normalized enrichment factors and geochemical accumulation indices, and the concentrations determined to produce any potential toxic effects to biota. Significant enrichment of the bottom sediments with Cd, Ni and As were observed at some locations with sediments showing signs of heavy pollution with As at region G4. Apart from Ni, V and As which were beyond threshold effects levels at most regions, all other metals were below probable effect levels. Both natural and anthropogenic processes controlled trace metal accumulation and distribution in the Ghanaian coastal environment.

Thermal Stability of Ettringite Exposed to Atmosphere: Implications for the Uptake of Harmful Ions by Cement

The decomposition behavior of ettringite, Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12·26H2O, at different temperatures was studied by means of isothermal XRD experiments, in which the evolution of the solid is monitored as a function of time. The experiments were performed at 40, 50, 55, and 60 °C for a natural ettringite specimen. The experimental data were used to construct a temperature-transformation-time (TTT) diagram. Such a diagram enables the prediction of the reaction pathways during the transformation process. The decomposition behavior was also studied under nonisothermal conditions using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, and the obtained results were correlated with the results of the XRD study. Finally, the transformation kinetics and the activation energy (Ea = 246.1 kJ·mol(-1)) of the reaction were estimated using the so-called "time to a given fraction" method. The temperature at which the initial transformation stage occurs (lower than 50 °C) indicates that ettringite cannot be considered a suitable host phase for the immobilization of radionuclides and other harmful elements, as is frequently proposed in the literature.

Aqueous Cr (VI) removal by Friedel's salt adsorbent prepared from calcium aluminate-rich cementitious materials

This research paper investigated a novel absorbent of calcium aluminate-rich cementitious materials (Friedel's salt adsorbent, FA) for aqueous hexavalent chromium (VI) removal. The adsorption kinetics showed that the maximum adsorption capacities of FA were 3.36, 14.66, and 26.17 mg/g when the initial Cr(VI) concentration was 10, 50, and 100 mg/L, respectively. The adsorption fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting the important roles of intercalation in the adsorption process with increasing Cr(VI) concentrations. This Friedel's salt adsorbent is suggested as an adaptive and effective adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal in contaminated groundwater.

Mechanism of boron uptake by hydrocalumite calcined at different temperatures

Hydrocalumite (Ca-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH)) was prepared and applied for the removal of borate. The properties of Ca-Al-LDH calcined at different temperatures were diverse, which affected the sorption density and mechanism of boron species. The sorption density increased with increase in calcined temperature and the sample calcined at 900°C (Ca-Al-LDH-900) showed the maximum sorption density in this work. The solid residues after sorption were characterized by (11)B NMR, (27)Al NMR, SEM, and XRD to investigate the sorption mechanism. Dissolution-reprecipitation was the main mechanism for sorption of borate in Ca-Al-LDH. For Ca-Al-LDH calcined at 300 and 500°C, regeneration occurred in a short time and the newly forming LDHs were decomposed to release Ca(2+) ions and formed ettringite with borate. Two stages occurred in the sorption of boron by Ca-Al-LDH calcined at 900°C. In the first stage, boron species adsorbed on the alumina gel resulting from the hydration of calcined products. In this stage, borate was included as an interlayer anion into the newly forming LDHs in the following stage, and then immobilized as HBO3(2-) into the interlayer, most the LDHs.

Leaching characteristics of toxic constituents from coal fly ash mixed soils under the influence of pH

Leaching behaviors of Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), Calcium (Ca), Cadmium (Cd), Magnesium (Mg), Selenium (Se), and Strontium (Sr) from soil alone, coal fly ash alone, and soil-coal fly ash mixtures, were studied at a pH range of 2-14 via pH-dependent leaching tests. Seven different types of soils and coal fly ashes were tested. Results of this study indicated that Ca, Cd, Mg, and Sr showed cationic leaching pattern while As and Se generally follows an oxyanionic leaching pattern. On the other hand, leaching of Ba presented amphoteric-like leaching pattern but less pH-dependent. In spite of different types and composition of soil and coal fly ash investigated, the study reveals the similarity in leaching behavior as a function of pH for a given element from soil, coal fly ash, and soil-coal fly ash mixtures. The similarity is most likely due to similar controlling mechanisms (e.g., solubility, sorption, and solid-solution formation) and similar controlling factors (e.g., leachate pH and redox conditions). This offers the opportunity to transfer knowledge of coal fly ash that has been extensively characterized and studied to soil stabilized with coal fly ash. It is speculated that unburned carbon in off-specification coal fly ashes may provide sorption sites for Cd resulting in a reduction in concentration of these elements in leachate from soil-coal fly ash mixture. Class C fly ash provides sufficient CaO to initiate the pozzolanic reaction yielding hydrated cement products that oxyanions, including As and Se, can be incorporated into.

Preparation and performance of arsenate (V) adsorbents derived from concrete wastes

Solid adsorbent materials, prepared from waste cement powder and concrete sludge were assessed for removal of arsenic in the form of arsenic (As(V)) from water. All the materials exhibited arsenic removal capacity when added to distilled water containing 10-700 mg/L arsenic. The arsenic removal isotherms were expressed by the Langmuir type equations, and the highest removal capacity was observed for the adsorbent prepared from concrete sludge with heat treatment at 105°C, the maximum removal capacity being 175 mg-As(V)/g. Based on changes in arsenic and calcium ion concentrations, and solution pH, the removal mechanism for arsenic was considered to involve the precipitation of calcium arsenate, Ca3(AsO4)2. The enhanced removal of arsenic for the adsorbent prepared from concrete sludge with heat treatment was thought to reflect ion exchange by ettringite. The prepared adsorbents, derived from waste cement and concrete using simple procedures, may offer a cost effective approach for arsenic removal and clean-up of contaminated waters, especially in developing countries.

Leaching of hazardous substances from a composite construction product--an experimental and modelling approach for fibre-cement sheets

The leaching behaviour of a commercial fibre-cement sheet (FCS) product has been investigated. A static pH dependency test and a dynamic surface leaching test have been performed at lab scale. These tests allowed the development of a chemical-transport model capable to predict the release of major and trace elements over the entire pH range, in function of time. FCS exhibits a cement-type leaching behaviour with respect to the mineral species. Potentially hazardous species are released in significant quantities when compared to their total content. These are mainly heavy metals commonly encountered in cement matrixes and boron (probably added as biocide). Organic compounds considered as global dissolved carbon are released in significant concentrations, originating probably from the partial degradation of the organic fibres. The pesticide terbutryn (probably added during the preservative treatment of the organic fibres) was systematically identified in the leachates. The simulation of an upscaled runoff scenario allowed the evaluation of the cumulative release over long periods and the distribution of the released quantities in time, in function of the local exposure conditions. After 10 years of exposure the release reaches significant fractions of the species' total content - going from 4% for Cu to near 100% for B.

Thermal Decomposition of Hydrocalumite over a Temperature Range of 400–1500°C and Its Structure Reconstruction in Water

The thermal decomposition process and structure memory effect of hydrocalumite were investigated systematically for the first time over a wide temperature range of 400–1500°C. The calcined hydrocalumite samples and their rehydrated products were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and SEM-EDX. The results show that the calcination products at temperatures ranging from 500 to 900°C are basically mayenite and lime, while one of the final products obtained by calcination at and above 1000°C is probably tricalcium aluminate (Ca3Al2O6). For the hydrocalumite samples calcined at temperatures below 1000°C, their lamellar structure can be completely recovered in deionized water at room temperature. However, the further increase of calcination temperature could impair the regeneration ability of hydrocalumite via contact with water. Upon calcination of hydrocalumite at 1000–1500°C followed by reaction with water, a stable compound tricalcium aluminate hexahydrate (Ca3Al2O6·6H2O) was produced, which is the reason why less hydrocalumite could be regenerated.

In situ real time infrared spectroscopy of sorption of (poly)molybdate ions into layered double hydroxides

The sorption of (poly)molybdate ions into layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with Zn(2+) and Al(3+) cations, has been followed by in situ infrared spectroscopy using the attenuated total reflection technique. The exchange between solution molybdate species and interlayer anions has been followed in real time, illustrating the different behavior of molybdate ions and polymolybdate species. In a first part, the Mo(VI) speciation in solution was performed by comparison of thermodynamical calculations and infrared spectroscopy of solutions with different pH. Decomposition of bands between 800 to 1000 cm(-1), corresponding to the (Mo-O) stretching vibration, has permitted to identify major (poly)molybdate species. In the presence of LDH, the measurements have shown a high affinity for heptamolybdate (Mo7O24(6-)) species, and its preferential sorption in comparison with molybdate ions or other protonated polymolybdate species even if it represents very small fractions. From these measurements, the affinity series Mo7O24(6-) > CO3(2-) > MoO4(2-) > SO4(2-) have been directly obtained.

Removal of boron from wastewater by the hydroxyapatite formation reaction using acceleration effect of ammonia

The mechanism was discussed for the removal of boron by the hydroxyapatite (HAp) formation reaction using Ca(OH)(2) and (NH(4))(2)HPO(4) in room temperature. Time required to remove boron was 20 min by adding Ca(OH)(2) and (NH(4))(2)HPO(4) for the remaining boron to below 1mg/L. The removal rate of boron was controlled by the HAp precipitate formation and the presence of ammonia. From the XRD patterns and SEM images, HAp could be confirmed in the precipitate product. The reaction between borate ions and calcium hydroxide was accelerated by dehydration with ammonia; the borate-calcium hydroxide compound coprecipitated with resulting HAp. Although the removal of boron decreased in the presence of sulfate, phosphate, and aluminum, these effects could be prevented by adding excess Ca(OH)(2). Interference of fluoride ions was eliminated by adding Al(3+). Sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate was the most effective coagulant for HAp precipitation. The proposed boron removal method has several advantages about treating time and ability of boron removal. The method was successfully applied to the real hot spring wastewater.

Sorption kinetic study of selenite and selenate onto a high and low pressure aged iron oxide nanomaterial

The sorption of selenite (SeO(3)(2-)) and selenate (SeO(4)(2-)) onto Fe(3)O(4) nanomaterials produced by non microwave-assisted or microwave-assisted synthetic techniques was investigated through use of the batch technique. The phase of both synthetic nanomaterials was determined to be magnetite by X-ray diffraction. The average grain sizes of non microwave-assisted and microwave-assisted synthetic Fe(3)O(4) were determined to be 27 and 25 nm, respectively through use of the Scherrer's equation. Sorption of selenite was pH independent in the pH range of 2-6, while sorption of selenate decreased at pH 5 and 6. The addition of Cl(-) had no significant effect on selenite or selenate binding, while the addition of NO(3)(-) only affected selenate binding to the microwave assisted Fe(3)O(4). A decrease of selenate binding to both synthetic particles was observed after the addition of SO(4)(2-) while selenite binding was not affected. The addition of PO(4)(3-) beginning at concentrations of 0.1 ppm had the most prominent effect on the binding of both selenite and selenate. The capacities of binding, determined through the use of Langmuir isotherm, were found to be 1923 and 1428 mg Se/kg of non microwave-assisted Fe(3)O(4) and 2380 and 2369 mg Se/kg of microwave-assisted Fe(3)O(4) for selenite and selenate, respectively.

Simultaneous leaching and carbon sequestration in constrained aqueous solutions

The behavior of metal ions' leaching and precipitated mineral phases of metal-rich fly ash (FA) was examined in order to evaluate microbial impacts on carbon sequestration and metal immobilization. The leaching solutions consisted of aerobic deionized water (DW) and artificial eutrophic water (AEW) that was anaerobic, organic- and mineral-rich, and higher salinity as is typical of bottom water in eutrophic algae ponds. The Fe- and Ca-rich FAs were predominantly composed of quartz, mullite, portlandite, calcite, hannebachite, maghemite, and hematite. After 86 days, only Fe and Ca contents exhibited a decrease in leaching solutions while other major and trace elements showed increasing or steady trends in preference to the type of FA and leaching solution. Ca-rich FA showed strong carbon sequestration efficiency ranging up to 32.3 g CO(2)/kg FA after 86 days, corresponding to almost 65% of biotic carbon sequestration potential under some conditions. Variations in the properties of FAs such as chemical compositions, mineral constituents as well as the type of leaching solution impacted CO(2) capture. Even though the relative amount of calcite increased sixfold in the AEW and the relative amount of mineral phase reached 37.3 wt% using Ca-rich FA for 86 days, chemical sequestration did not accomplish simultaneous precipitation and sequestration of several heavy metals.

Charge-based fractionation of oxyanion-forming metals and metalloids leached from recycled concrete aggregates of different degrees of carbonation: a comparison of laboratory and field leaching tests

The release and charge-based fractionation of As, Cr, Mo, Sb, Se and V were evaluated in leachates generated from recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in a laboratory and at a field site. The leachates, covering the pH range 8.4-12.6, were generated from non-carbonated, and artificially and naturally carbonated crushed concrete samples. Comparison between the release of the elements from the non-carbonated and carbonated samples indicated higher solubility of the elements from the latter. The laboratory leaching tests also revealed that the solubility of the elements is low at the "natural pH" of the non-carbonated materials and show enhancement when the pH is decreased. The charge-based fractionation of the elements was determined by ion-exchange solid phase extraction (SPE); it was found that all the target elements predominantly existed as anions in both the laboratory and field leachates. The high fraction of the anionic species of the elements in the leachates from the carbonated RCA materials verified the enhanced solubility of the oxyanionic species of the elements as a result of carbonation. The concentrations of the elements in the leachates and SPE effluents were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Extraordinary stability of copper(I)-tetrathiomolybdate complexes: possible implications for aquatic ecosystems

An extraordinary affinity of MoS₄²⁻ for Cu accounts for Mo-induced Cu deficiency in ruminants (molybdenosis) and offers an approach to treating Wilson's disease in humans. Evidence of thiomolybdates in sulfidic natural waters, and possibly even as metastable traces in oxic natural waters, raises the question of how Cu-Mo affinity might affect Cu availability or toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. Stabilities of inorganic Cu-MoS₄²⁻ complexes are characterized and quantified here for the first time. Two remarkably stable Cu(I) dissolved complexes are identified (T = 23°C ± 2°C): Cu₂(HS)₂MoS₄²⁻ and Cu₂S₂MoS₄⁴⁻. In addition, the solubility constant for a precipitate (NH₄CuMoS₄) was measured. Under the extremely reducing conditions in rumen fluids, these complexes will greatly suppress Cu(+) activity, supporting prior conclusions about the mechanism of molybdenosis. In sulfidic natural waters, they help to prevent complete Cu impoverishment, as might otherwise occur by sulfide mineral precipitation. On the other hand, the complexes discovered here are HS⁻-dependent and could not be important in oxic natural waters (with HS⁻ concentrations < 10⁻⁹ M) even if metastable, biogenic MoS₄²⁻ indeed were present as previously conjectured.

Understanding the chemical and mineralogical properties of the inorganic portion of MSWI bottom ash

This paper investigates the changes of mineralogical composition of bottom ash in the environment. The chemical and mineralogical bulk composition was determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) Rietveld method. Single bottom ash particles were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with quantitative energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX) and electron probe micro analysis (EPMA). SEM/EDX and EPMA are valuable complement to bulk analysis and provide means for rapid and sensitive multi-elemental analysis of ash particles. The fresh bottom ash consists of amorphous (>30 wt.%) and major crystalline phases (>1 wt.%) such as silicates, oxides and carbonates. The mineral assemblage of the fresh bottom ash is clearly unstable and an aging process occurs by reaction towards an equilibrium mineral phase composition in the environmental conditions. The significant decrease of anhydrite and amorphous contents was observed in the aged bottom ash, leading to the formation of ettringite, hydrocalumite and rosenhahnite under atmospheric conditions. In the water-treated sample, the calcite contents increased significantly, but ettringite was altered by the dissolution and precipitation processes in part, to produce gypsum, while the remaining part reacted with chloride to form hydrocalumite. Gypsum and other Ca based minerals may take up substantial amounts of heavy metals and subsequently control leaching behaviour of bottom ash.

Sorption characteristics and mechanisms of oxyanions and oxyhalides having different molecular properties on Mg/Al layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

The sorption ability of fast-coprecipitated and hydrothermally-treated Mg/Al layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (FCHT-LDH) for various oxyhalides and oxyanions was evaluated. Interactions of oxyhalide such as monovalent bromate or oxyanions such as divalent chromate and divalent vanadate with FCHT-LDH were investigated using a combination of macroscopic (batch sorption/desorption studies and electrophoretic mobility (EM) measurements) and microscopic techniques (CHNS/O, XRD, FTIR, XPS, and EXAFS analyses). The sorption studies on various oxyanions and oxyhalides suggested that their sorption characteristics on FCHT-LDH were largely governed by their ionic potentials and molecular structures. Oxyanions which have ionic potentials higher than 7 nm(-1) were found to be more readily sorbed by FCHT-LDH than oxyhalides with ionic potentials lower than 5 nm(-1). The results obtained also demonstrated that trigonal pyramid oxyhalides showed a lower degree of specificity for FCHT-LDH than the tetrahedral coordinated oxyanions. From the macroscopic and microscopic studies, monovalent oxyhalide sorption on FCHT-LDH was postulated to occur mainly via anion exchange mechanism with subsequent formation of outer-sphere surface complexes. For polyvalent oxyanion sorption on FCHT-LDH, the mechanisms were possibly associated with both anion exchange and ligand exchange reactions, resulting in the coexistence of outer-sphere and inner-sphere surface complexes.

Adsorption and co-precipitation behavior of arsenate, chromate, selenate and boric acid with synthetic allophane-like materials

Pollution caused by boric acid and toxic anions such as As(V), Cr(VI) and Se(VI) is hazardous to human health and environment. The sorption characteristics of these environmentally significant ionic species on allophane-like nanoparticles were investigated in order to determine whether allophane can reduce their mobility in the subsurface environment at circum-neutral pH condition. Solutions containing 100 or 150 mmol of AlCl(3)x6H(2)O were mixed to 100 mmol of Na(4)SiO(4) and the pH were adjusted to 6.4+/-0.3. The mineral suspensions were shaken for 1h and incubated at 80 degrees C for 5 days. Appropriate amounts of As, B, Cr and Se solutions were added separately during and after allophane precipitation. The results showed that As(V) and boric acid can be irreversibly fixed during co-precipitation in addition to surface adsorption. However, Cr(VI) and Se(VI) retention during and after allophane precipitation is mainly controlled by surface adsorption. The structurally fixed As(V) and boric acid were more resistant to release than those bound on the surface. The sorption characteristics of oxyanions and boric acid were also influenced by the final Si/Al molar ratio of allophane in which Al-rich allophane tend to have higher uptake capacity. The overall results of this study have demonstrated the role of allophane-like nanoparticles and the effect of its Si/Al ratio on As, B, Cr and Se transport processes in the subsurface environment.

Stabilization/solidification of selenium-impacted soils using Portland cement and cement kiln dust

Stabilization/solidification (S/S) processes were utilized to immobilize selenium (Se) as selenite (SeO(3)(2-)) and selenate (SeO(4)(2-)). Artificially contaminated soils were prepared by individually spiking kaolinite, montmorillonite and dredged material (DM; an organic silt) with 1000 mg/kg of each selenium compound. After mellowing for 7 days, the Se-impacted soils were each stabilized with 5, 10 and 15% Type I/II Portland cement (P) and cement kiln dust (C) and then were cured for 7 and 28 days. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the S/S treatments. At 28 days curing, P doses of 10 and 15% produced five out of six TCLP-Se(IV) concentrations below 10mg/L, whereas only the 15% C in DM had a TCLP-Se(IV) concentration <10mg/L. Several treatments satisfied the USEPA TCLP best demonstrated available technology (BDAT) limits (5.7 mg/L) for selenium at pozzolan doses up to 10 times less than the treatments that established the BDAT. Neither pozzolan was capable of reducing the TCLP-Se(VI) concentrations below 25mg/L. Se-soil-cement slurries aged for 30 days enabled the identification of Se precipitates by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). XRD and SEM-EDX analyses of the Se(IV)- and Se(VI)-soil-cement slurries revealed that the key selenium bearing phases for all three soil-cement slurries were calcium selenite hydrate (CaSeO(3).H(2)O) and selenate substituted ettringite (Ca(6)Al(2)(SeO(4))(3)(OH)(12).26H(2)O), respectively.

Influence of operational conditions, waste input and ageing on contaminant leaching from waste incinerator bottom ash: a full-scale study

Leaching of metals and Cl from fresh, naturally aged, and lab-scale aged bottom ashes generated during full-scale incineration experiments with different operational conditions (OC) and waste input (WI) was assessed. Although significant differences in the bulk contents of the generated bottom ashes were observed between the individual experiments, addition of 5.5 wt.% PVC, 11.1 wt.% chromated-copper-arsenate impregnated wood, 14.2 wt.% automotive shredder residue, 1.6 wt.% shoes, and 0.5 wt.% batteries to the normal municipal solid waste received at the incinerator (in six individual experiments) had no significant effect on metal leaching from the bottom ash. Likewise, changes in OC (furnace oxygen level and air distribution) could not be correlated to changes in leaching. The effects on metal leaching from ageing were generally larger than the effects from changes in OC and WI. Ash ageing caused a significant decrease in leaching of Cu, Zn, and Pb while leaching of Sb and particularly Cr increased. For Cl, a clear correlation between the bulk contents and leaching was observed for bottom ash generated in experiments with changes in WI. Comparison of leaching data obtained in this study with leaching from "typical" aged Danish bottom ash revealed no significant differences when the typical variations in leaching data over time and between different Danish incinerators were accounted. Generally, this indicates that metal leaching from bottom ash is not sensitive to limited changes in WI and OC as suggested in this paper, only Cl(-) leaching appeared to be affected.

Feasibility study on solidification of municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash with circulating fluidized bed combustion coal fly ash

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of solidification of municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash with circulation fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) fly ash, which is unsuitable as a cement replacement due to its high amounts of carbon, lime and anhydrite. The solidification process was conducted on samples prepared from MSWI fly ash, binders (cement clinkers and CFBC fly ash were mixed at two replacement ratios) and water (water/solid weight ratio = 0.4), among which the MSWI fly ash replaced each binder at the ratio of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% by dry weight. The samples were subjected to compressive strength tests and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure and the results showed that all solidified MSWI fly ash can meet the landfill standard imposed by US EPA after 28 days of curing. Micro-analysis (X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry) revealed that the main hydrate products were C-S-H gel and ettringite, which have a positive effect on heavy metals retention. Therefore, this method provides a possibility to achieve a cheap and effective solution for MSWI fly ash management and use for CFBC fly ash.

Long-term leaching from MSWI air-pollution-control residues: leaching characterization and modeling

Long-term leaching of Ca, Fe, Mg, K, Na, S, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mo, Sb, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, P, Cl, and dissolved organic carbon from two different municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) air-pollution-control residues was monitored during 24 months of column percolation experiments; liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratios of 200-250L/kg corresponding to more than 10,000 years in a conventional landfill were reached. Less than 2% of the initially present As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Sb had leached during the course of the experiments. Concentrations of Cd, Fe, Mg, Hg, Mn, Ni, Co, Sn, Ti, and P were generally bellow 1microg/L; overall less than 1% of their mass leached. Column leaching data were further used in a two-step geochemical modeling in PHREEQC in order to (i) identify solubility controlling minerals and (ii) evaluate their interactions in a water-percolated column system over L/S of 250L/kg. Adequate predictions of pH, alkalinity, and the leaching of Ca, S, Al, Si, Ba, and Zn were obtained in a simultaneous calculation. Also, it was suggested that removal of Ca and S together with depletion of several minerals apparently caused dissolution of ettringite-like phases. In turn, significant increase in leaching of oxyanions (especially Sb and Cr) was observed at late stage of leaching experiments.

Comparison of hematite/Fe(II) systems with cement/Fe(II) systems in reductively dechlorinating trichloroethylene

Reactive reductants of cement/Fe(II) systems in dechlorinating chlorinated hydrocarbons are unknown. This study initially evaluated reactivities of potential reactive agents of cement/Fe(II) systems such as hematite (alpha-Fe(2)O(3)), goethite (alpha-FeOOH), lepidocrocite (gamma-FeOOH), akaganeite (beta-FeOOH), ettringite (Ca(6)Al(2)(SO(4))(3)(OH)(12)), Friedel's salt (Ca(4)Al(2)Cl(2)(OH)(12)), and hydrocalumite (Ca(2)Al(OH)(6)(OH).3H(2)O) in reductively dechlorinating trichloroethylene (TCE) in the presence of Fe(II). It was found that a hematite/Fe(II) system shows TCE degradation characteristics similar to those of cement/Fe(II) systems in terms of degradation kinetics, Fe(II) dose dependence, and final products distribution. It was therefore suspected that Fe(III)-containing phases of cement hydrates in cement/Fe(II) systems behaved similarly to the hematite. CaO, which was initially introduced as a pH buffer, was observed to participate in or catalyze the formation of reactive reductants in the hematite/Fe(II) system, because its addition enhanced the reactivities of hematite/Fe(II) systems. From the SEM (scanning electron microscope) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) analyses that were carried out on the solids from hematite/Fe(II) suspensions, it was discovered that a sulfate green rust with a hexagonal-plate structure was probably a reactive reductant for TCE. However, SEM analyses conducted on a cement/Fe(II) system showed that hexagonal-plate crystals, which were presumed to be sulfate green rusts, were much less abundant in the cement/Fe(II) than in the hematite/Fe(II) systems. It was not possible to identify any crystalline minerals in the cement/Fe(II) system by using XRD analysis, probably because of the complexity of the cement hydrates. These observations suggest that major reactive reductants of cement/Fe(II) systems may differ from those of hematite/Fe(II) systems.

Application of layered double hydroxides for removal of oxyanions: a review

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are lamellar mixed hydroxides containing positively charged main layers and undergoing anion exchange chemistry. In recent years, many studies have been devoted to investigating the ability of LDHs to remove harmful oxyanions such as arsenate, chromate, phosphate, etc. from contaminated waters by both surface adsorption and anion exchange of the oxyanions for interlayer anions in the LDH structure. This review article provides an overview of the LDH synthesis methods, the LDH characterization techniques, and the recent advancement that has been achieved in oxyanion removal using LDHs, highlighting areas of consensus and currently unresolved issues. Experimental studies relating to the sorption behaviors of LDHs with various oxyanions, and the kinetic models adopted to explain the adsorption rate of oxyanions from aqueous solution onto LDHs, have been comprehensively reviewed. This review discusses several key factors such as pH, competitive anions, temperature, etc., that influence the oxyanion adsorption on LDHs. The reusability of LDHs is discussed and some mechanistic studies of oxyanion adsorption on LDHs are highlighted. The sorption capacities of LDHs for various oxyanions are also compared with those of other adsorbents. In addition, this review critically identifies the shortcomings in current research on LDHs, such as the common weaknesses in the adopted methodology, discrepancies among reported results and ambiguous conclusions. Possible improvement of LDHs and potential areas for future application of LDHs are also proposed.

Strength, leachability and microstructure characterisation of Na2SiO3-activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag solidified MSWI fly ash

The chemical composition and the leachability of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash were measured and analysed. For the leachability of unstabilized MSWI fly ash it was found that the concentrations of Pb and Cr exceeded the leaching toxicity standard. Cementitious solidification of the MSWI fly ash by Na2SiO3-activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag (NS) was investigated. Results show that all solidified MSWI fly ash can meet the landfill standards after 28 days of curing. The heavy metals were immobilized within the hydration products such as C-S-H gel and ettringite through physical encapsulation, substitution, precipitation or adsorption mechanisms.

Effects of pH, temperature, and water quality on chloride removal with ultra-high lime with aluminum process

The ultra high-lime with aluminum process (UHLA) has the ability to remove sulfate and chloride in addition to other scale-forming materials from recycled cooling water. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that the UHLA process can achieve high chloride removal from recycled cooling water, and an equilibrium model was developed to describe chemical behavior during chloride removal. This paper describes the influence of pH, temperature, and initial chloride concentration on chloride removal by UHLA and identifies the precipitated solids formed during treatment. The optimum pH for maximum chloride removal efficiency was found to be 12 +/- 0.2. Chloride removal efficiency was higher at a high initial chloride concentration than at a low initial chloride concentration with the chemical doses used. Solids formed during UHLA treatment were identified by x-ray diffraction as calcium chloroaluminate, tricalcium hydroxyaluminate, and tetracalcium hydroxyaluminate. This supports the assumption of the equilibrium model that these compounds are present and form a solid solution.

Evaluation of ettringite and hydrocalumite formation for heavy metal immobilization: literature review and experimental study

The immobilization of heavy metal oxyanions like chromate, arsenate and selenate, has proven to be a challenging task as they are highly mobile in alkaline environments involving S/S of contaminated media. Ettringite, a pozzolanic phase that forms in cementitious materials, has been proposed as a viable immobilization mechanism for oxyanions, wherein the oxyanion may substitute for sulfate in the ettringite structure. A literature review on the immobilization potential of ettringite showed that the substitution potential exists from the thermodynamic point of view where the formation of substituted ettringites occurs under strictly controlled conditions. The pH control over a narrow range is essential for ettringite stability; it becomes even narrower for substituted ettringites, as competing effects with sulfate ettringite and monophases are significantly affected by pH. The presence of sulfate has a catalytic effect on oxyanion incorporation in ettringite. Rapid leaching may occur when the treated media is exposed to sulfate influx. Conversely, monophases seem to be more suitable than ettringite for oxyanion immobilization, mainly as they control oxyanion solubility to lower levels than ettringite. A shift to the thermodynamic equilibrium caused by a shift in environmental conditions may result in monophase conversion to ettringite, which may lead to catastrophic expansion, as widely demonstrated in the cement and soils literature. Overall, the sensitivity of phase equilibria in cement-like systems involving oxyanions is significant with regard to multiple parameters and it is uncertain to what extent these can be predicted and/or controlled in the field.

The implications of integrated assessment and modelling studies for the future remediation of chromite ore processing residue disposal sites

Chromite ore processing residue (COPR) waste from a former chromium chemical works (1830-1968) is still contaminating groundwater in Glasgow, Scotland, with carcinogenic hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI). An integrated analytical, experimental and modelling approach has identified and accounted for mineral phases and processes responsible for the retention and release of Cr(VI) under prevailing field conditions. Both the nature of mineral phase retention and the buffered high pH of the sites, however, militate against direct remediative treatment of the source material, for example by the application of generic methods (e.g. FeSO4) that have been successfully employed elsewhere for the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in other matrices. The interception and treatment of groundwater to remove Cr(VI) and the capping of sites to reduce human exposure to airborne Cr(VI)-contaminated dust may well be more realistic and effective, at least in the short to medium term.

Overview of waste stabilization with cement

Cement can treat a variety of wastes by improving physical characteristics (solidification) and reducing the toxicity and mobility of contaminants (stabilization). Potentially adverse waste-binder interactions are an important consideration because they can limit solidification. Stabilization occurs when a contaminant is converted from the dissolved (mobile) phase to a solid (immobile) phase by reactions, such as precipitation, sorption, or substitution. These reactions are often strongly affected by pH, so the presence of components of the waste that control pH are critical to stabilization reactions. Evaluating environmental impacts can be accomplished in a tiered strategy in which simplest approach would be to measure the maximum amount of contaminant that could be released. Alternatively, the sequence of release can be determined, either by microcosm tests that attempt to simulate conditions in the disposal zone or by mechanistic models that attempt to predict behavior using fundamental characteristics of the treated waste.