Field evaluation of a new hydroxyapatite based binder for ex-situ solidification/stabilization of a heavy metal contaminated site soil around a Pb-Zn smelter

Abstract

Abstract This study presents a field trial of ex-situ solidification/stabilization of heavy metal contaminated soils using a new hydroxyapatite based binder SPC (superphosphate and calcium oxide). The field performance including electrical conductivity (EC), heavy metal and chemical oxygen demand (COD) leachability, and penetration resistance of stabilized soils up to 256 days after treatment is investigated. Moreover, acid neutralization capacity (ANC), metal speciation, and soil mineralogy analyses are performed to elucidate the heavy metal immobilization mechanisms. The results indicate that the stabilized soils have lower EC values than untreated soils, indicating the lower soluble salt contents in stabilized soils. Ex-situ treatment can significantly reduce acid soluble fraction contents and leachability of lead, zinc and cadmium in soils as a consequence. Decrease in COD leachability is observed during the curing period up to 256 days. Additionally, SPC stabilized soils give superior mechanical properties as indicated by their higher penetration resistance values as compared to the untreated soils. The improvement in ANC and reduction in acid soluble fraction resulting from the formation of phosphate-based precipitates are mainly responsible for the reduced heavy metal leachability of stabilized soils. Additionally, ex-situ SPC treatment is found to be effective in improving soil spatial homogeneity.