Stabilization of flotation wastes resulting from the treatment of Pb/Zn ore based on geopolymers

The objective of this study is the stabilization of two heavy metals Pb and Zn wastes resulting from the treatment by flotation of Pb/Zn ore. The Pb/Zn wastes are encapsulated in Na- geopolymer based on Algerian metakaolin. However, various amount (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt%) of wastes are introduced within geopolymers paste. Leaching test show that Lead is untraceable in all levels of waste content up to 15 wt% because lead content of the waste is very low and its presence in the leachate is below the level of detection by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. In the other hand, traces of Zinc were detected in the various leaching solutions. The geopolymers 28 days ages and 10 wt% give the better results due to more stable geopolymer matrix. Leaching is increased when 15 wt% of waste was added due to limited capacity of geopolymers for the heavy metals and deterioration of the structure.