Physicochemical properties of arsenic-bearing lime-ferrate sludge and its leaching behaviors

Physicochemical properties and leaching behaviors of two typical arsenic-bearing lime-ferrate sludges (ABLFS), waste acid residue (WAR) and calcium arsenate residue (CAR), are comprehensively described. The chemical composition, morphological features, phase composition and arsenic occurrence state of WAR and CAR are analyzed by ICP-AES, SEM-EDS, XRD, XPS and chemical phase analysis. The toxicity leaching test and three-stage BCR sequential extraction procedure are utilized to investigate arsenic leaching behaviors. The results show that the contents of arsenic in WAR and CAR are 2.5% and 21.2% and mainly present in the phases of arsenate and arsenic oxides dispersed uniformly or agglomerated in amorphous particles. The leaching concentrations of arsenic excess 119 and 1063 times of TCLP standard regulatory level with leaching rates of 47.66% and 50.15% for WAR and CAR, respectively. About 90% of extracted arsenic is in the form of acid soluble and reducible, which is the reason of high arsenic leaching toxicity and environmental activity of ABLFS. This research provides comprehensive information on harmless disposal of ABLFS from industrial wastewater treatment of lime-ferrate process.