Effect of carbonation on leachability and compressive strength of cement-solidified and geopolymer-solidified synthetic metal wastes

Abstract

Stabilization/solidification (s/s) is a well-established technique for treating a variety of metal-containing hazardous waste streams prior to land disposal. Solidification refers to the improvement of the physical properties of the waste for easier handling, whereas stabilization refers to the reduction of contaminant mobility by various mechanisms such as precipitation, encapsulation, adsorption, and ion substitution. The s/s process consists of mixing the contaminants with binders and curing them over a period of time. At the disposal site, environmental carbon dioxide affects the s/s waste by a process known as carbonation. Carbonation brings about physical and chemical changes to the s/s waste. Thus, the study of the effect of carbonation on the s/s waste is important for assessing the long-term effectiveness of the s/s treatment process.