Sustainable Management of Red Mud: Life Cycle Assessment and Treatment Techniques

Abstract

Red mud is a strongly alkaline leaching solid hazardous waste material generated in the Bayer process of alumina production. India ranks 4th place in alumina production. According to the Ministry of Mines (Oct 2022), India produces 9 million tonnes of red mud annually. In nature, red mud is highly alkaline. The high alkalinity and caustic content of red mud will contaminate the groundwater and fertile soil, and also there is a limitation on the utilization of red mud. Due to its low utilization ratio, large amounts of red mud are stacked in disposal areas, which may cause water pollution, soil salinization and heavy metal pollution. Red mud contains toxic metals such as arsenic, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc and radioactive elements such as thorium, potassium, and uranium, which cause severe effects on the environment and also on our health. The objective is to examine the environmental impact, utilization methods and treatment process of the red mud (bauxite residue). Also, scrutinize the biodegradation of heavy metals in red mud.