Study on the properties of chromium residue-cement matrices (CRCM) and the influences of superplasticizers on chromium(VI)-immobilising capability of cement matrices

Adsorption Characteristics and Transport Behavior of Cr(VI) in Shallow Aquifers Surrounding a Chromium Ore Processing Residue (COPR) Dumpsite

This study explored the stratigraphic distribution and soil/shallow aquifer characteristics surrounding a chromium ore processing residue (COPR) dumpsite at a former chemical factory in China. Total Cr levels in top soils (5–10 cm) nearby the COPR dumpsite were in the range of 8571.4–10711.4 mg/kg. Shallow aquifers (1–6 m) nearby the COPR dumpsite showed a maximum total Cr level of 9756.7 mg/kg. The concentrations of Cr(VI) in groundwater nearby the COPR dumpsite were 766.9–1347.5 mg/L. These results display that the top soils, shallow aquifers, and groundwater of the study site are severely polluted by Cr(VI). Then, three aquifers (silt, clay, and silty clay), respectively, collected from the depth of 1.4–2.4 m, 2.4–4.8 m, and 4.8–11.00 m were first used to evaluate the adsorption characteristics and transport behavior of Cr(VI) in shallow aquifers by both batch and column experiments. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on tested aquifers was well described by pseudo-second-order equation and Freundlich model. The adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) on three aquifers followed the order: clay > silty clay > silt. The kinetics proved that Cr(VI) is not easily adsorbed by the aquifer mediums but transports with groundwater. Thermodynamics indicated that Cr(VI) adsorption on tested aquifers was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. Cr(VI) adsorption on tested aquifers decreased with increasing pH. Furthermore, the transport of Cr(VI) in adsorption columns followed the sequence of clay < silty clay < silt. Desorption column experiments infer that the Cr(VI) adsorbed on aquifers will desorb and release into groundwater in the case of rainwater leaching. Therefore, a proper treatment of the COPR and a comprehensive management of soils are vital to prevent groundwater pollution.

The enhancement effect of pre-reduction using zero-valent iron on the solidification of chromite ore processing residue by blast furnace slag and calcium hydroxide

A bench scale study was performed to assess the effectiveness of the solidification of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) by blast furnace slag and calcium hydroxide, and investigate the enhancement effect of pre-reduction using zero-valent iron (ZVI) on the solidification treatment. The degree of Cr immobilization was evaluated using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) as well as the solid waste-extraction procedure for leaching toxicity-sulfuric acid & nitric acid method (Chinese standard HJ/T299-2007). Strength tests and semi-dynamic leaching tests were implemented to investigate the potential for reusing the final treatment product as a readily available construction material. The experimental results showed that the performance of pre-reduction/solidification (S/S) was superior to that of solidification alone. After pre-reduction, all of the S/S treated COPR samples met the TCLP limit for total Cr (5 mg L(-1)), whereas the samples with a COPR content below 40% met the pollution control limit of bricks and building block products (Chinese standard HJ/T 301-2007) produced with COPR for total Cr (0.3 mg L(-1)). At the same time, all of the S/S treated specimens tested were suitable for utilization at certain levels.

Controlling chromium slag pollution utilising scavengers: a case of Shandong Province, China

The problem of chromium slag pollution is a great challenge for China. It is now an urgent task for China to take effective measures to eliminate chromium slag pollution. This article examines the case of the treatment of chromium slag in Shandong Province and explores how chromium slag pollution can be eliminated in Shandong Province. It shows that the chromium slag stockpiled by the chemical plants was successfully utilised by local steel companies, who act as 'scavenger companies'. The driving mechanism, seeking a potential 'scavenger company' within the local region and the role of the local government on the case of Shandong Province are discussed. This article concludes that local steel companies can be utilised to effectively and efficiently treat the chromium slag while benefiting the steel companies. The local governments need to play multiple roles in solving the problem of chromium slag pollution. Seeking and identifying 'scavenger companies' within a region could be an important approach to reducing pollution within the region.

Encapsulation, solid-phases identification and leaching of toxic metals in cement systems modified by natural biodegradable polymers

Cement mortars loaded with Cr, Pb and Zn were modified by polymeric admixtures [chitosans with low (LMWCH), medium (MMWCH) and high (HMWCH) molecular weight and hydroxypropylchitosan (HPCH)]. The influence of the simultaneous presence of the heavy metal and the polymeric additive on the fresh properties (consistency, water retention and setting time) and on the compressive strength of the mortars was assessed. Leaching patterns as well as properties of the cement mortars were related to the heavy metals-bearing solid phases. Chitosan admixtures lessened the effect of the addition of Cr and Pb on the setting time. In all instances, chitosans improved the compressive strength of the Zn-bearing mortars yielding values as high as 15 N mm(-2). A newly reported Zn phase, dietrichite (ZnAl(2)(SO(4))(4)·22H(2)O) was identified under the presence of LMWCH: it was responsible for an improvement by 24% in Zn retention. Lead-bearing silicates, such as plumalsite (Pb(4)Al(2)(SiO(3))(7)), were also identified by XRD confirming that Pb was mainly retained as a part of the silicate network after Ca ion exchange. Also, the presence of polymer induced the appearance and stabilization of some Pb(IV) species. Finally, diverse chromate species were identified and related to the larger leaching values of Cr(VI).

Thermal stabilization of chromium slag by sewage sludge: effects of sludge quantity and temperature

To investigate the feasibility of detoxifying chromium slag by sewage sludge, synthetic chromium slag containing 3% of Cr(VI) was mixed with sewage sludge followed by thermal treatment in nitrogen gas for stabilizing chromium. The effects of slag to sludge ratio (0.5, 1 and 2) and temperature (200, 300, 500, 700 and 900 degrees C) on treatment efficiency were investigated. During the mixing process before thermal treatment, 59.8%-99.7% of Cr(VI) was reduced, but Cr could be easily leached from the reduction product. Increasing heating temperature and decreasing slag to sludge ratio strengthened the reduction and stabilization of Cr(VI). When the slag to sludge ratio was 0.5 and thermal treatment temperature was 300 degrees C, the total leached Cr and Cr(VI) declined to 0.55 mg/L and 0.17 mg/L respectively, and 45.5% of Cr in the thermally treated residue existed as residual fraction. A two-stage mechanism was proposed for the reduction and stabilization of Cr.