Red mud-enhanced magnesium phosphate cement for remediation of Pb and As contaminated soil

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Lei Wang - , Institute of Construction Materials, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Liang Chen - , Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Binglin Guo - , Kyushu University (Author)
  • Daniel C.W. Tsang - , Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Queensland (Author)
  • Longbin Huang - , University of Queensland (Author)
  • Yong Sik Ok - , University of Queensland, Korea University (Author)
  • Viktor Mechtcherine - , Chair of Construction Materials (Author)

Abstract

Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) contaminated soil poses severe threats to human health. This study proposes a novel approach for synchronous stabilisation/solidification (S/S) of Pb and As contaminated soil and explains the immobilisation mechanisms in red mud-modified magnesium phosphate cement (MPC). Experimental results show that incorporation of red mud in MPC binder retarded over-rapid reaction and enhanced compressive strength via the formation of (Al,Fe,K)PO4·nH2O compounds as indicated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and elemental mapping. The presence of Pb had a marginal effect on the MPC reaction; however, the presence of As suppressed the generation of MgKPO4·6H2O, leading to a significant delay of setting time and a reduction of compressive strength. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis proved that Pb2+ strongly coordinated with the PO43–, whereas AsO2– gently coordinated with K+. The MPC binder displayed an excellent immobilisation efficiency for Pb (99.9%), but was less effective for As. The use of red mud enhanced the As immobilisation efficacy to 80.5% due to strong complexation between AsO2– and Fe3+. The treated soils fulfilled requirements of metal(loid) leachability and mechanical strength for on-site reuse. Therefore, red mud-modified MPC can be an effective binder for sustainable remediation of Pb and As contaminated soil.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number123317
JournalJournal of hazardous materials
Volume400
Publication statusPublished - 5 Dec 2020
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 32947716

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Arsenic/lead leachability, Contaminated soil remediation, Potentially toxic elements, Stabilization/solidification, Sustainable waste management, Synchrotron analysis