Contemporary Issues Related to Utilization of Industrial Byproducts

Abstract

Abstract The industrial byproducts extensively generated all over the world impose challenges associated with their disposal, handling, storage, and reuse. The major challenges in transport, storage, and utilization of these byproduct materials arise from their inherent alkalinity and the presence of leachable heavy metals (read: contaminants). The coal ash, bauxite residues (red mud), different slags (i.e., blast furnace slag, steel slag, ferrochrome slag, copper slag, etc.), and cement kiln dust are some of the major industrial byproducts that pose challenges. In this manuscript, an attempt has been made to address the extensive global research that has been done (and is being conducted) on the utilization of industrial byproducts in construction and infrastructural developmental activities such as land reclamation, production of building materials, pavement layers, embankments, soil stabilization/amelioration, mine backfill, and various geoenvironmental cleanup functions (the treatment of water and gases). Apart from this, attempts have also been made to consolidate the issues associated with the management and utilization of these byproducts. Also, this manuscript summarizes various aspects related to byproducts with a primary emphasis on their generation, and their physicochemical and mineralogical properties. This study then projects the application of industrial byproducts in geopolymers (a green cement) that can consume their bulk quantity, which would facilitate synergy among various industrial byproducts for sustainable infrastructure development.