Leaching behavior and immobilization of heavy metals in solidified/stabilized products

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) of hazardous sludge from steel processing plant has been studied. Mechanical strength and leaching behavior test of solidified/stabilized product was performed. Mechanical strength decreases with increase in waste content. Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn could be considerably immobilized by the solidification/stabilization process. The elements least immobilized were Na, K, and Cl. Leaching of heavy metals in the S/S matrix can be considered as pH dependent and corresponding metal hydroxide solubility controlled process. Geochemical modeling was performed for the prediction of speciation. On the basis of test results, mobility and mechanism of leaching was assessed. Dominant leaching mechanism was surface wash off in the initial stages followed by diffusion for Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. Diffusion coefficient was above 11.5 indicating low mobility in the cement matrix.