Stabilization of Pb2+ and Cu2+ contaminated firing range soil using calcined oyster shells and waste cow bones

Pb2+ and Cu2+ contamination at army firing ranges poses serious environmental and health risks to nearby communities necessitating an immediate and prompt remedial action. In this study, a novel mixture of calcined oyster shells (COSs) and waste cow bones (WCBs) was utilized to immobilize Pb2+ and Cu2+ in army firing range soils. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated based on the Korean Standard leaching test. The treatment results showed that Pb2+ and Cu2+ immobilization in the army firing range soil was effective in significantly reducing Pb2+ and Cu2+ leachability upon the combined treatment with COS and WCB. A drastic reduction in Pb2+ (99%) and Cu2+ leachability (95%) was obtained as compared to the control sample, upon treatment with 5 wt.% COS and 5 wt.% WCB. The combination treatment of COS and WCB was more effective for Pb immobilization, than the treatment with COS or WCB alone. The 5 wt.% COS alone treatment resulted in 95% reduction in Cu2+ leachability. The SEM-EDX results suggested that Pb2+ and Cu2+ immobilization was most probably associated with the formation of ettringite, pozzolanic reaction products and pyromorphite-like phases at the same time.

► Innovative treatment of contaminated soils using natural waste.
► Oyster shells and waste cow bone mixture significantly reduced Pb2+/Cu2+ leachability.
► Pb2+ and Cu2+ immobilization was associated with pozzolanic and pyromorphite phases.