Low-grade MgO used to stabilize heavy metals in highly contaminated soils

Chemosphere. 2004 Aug;56(5):481-91. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.04.005.

Abstract

Low-grade MgO may be an economically feasible alternative in the stabilization of heavy metals from heavily contaminated soils. The use of MgO is described acting as a buffering agent within the pH 9-11 range, minimizing heavy metals solubility and avoiding the redissolution that occurs when lime is used. The effectiveness of LG-MgO has been studied as stabilizer agent of heavily polluted soils mainly contaminated by the flue-dust of the pyrite roasting. The use of LG-MgO as a reactive medium ensures that significant rates of metal fixation, greater than 80%, are achieved. The heavy metals leachate from the stabilized soil samples show a concentration lower than the limit set to classify the waste as non-special residue. Regardless of the quantity of stabilizer employed (greater than 10%), LG-MgO provides an alkali reservoir that allows guaranteeing long-term stabilization without varying the pH conditions.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Pollution / prevention & control*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Magnesium Oxide / chemistry*
  • Metals, Heavy / chemistry*
  • Reference Standards
  • Soil Pollutants / analysis*
  • Solubility
  • Spain
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Magnesium Oxide