Immobilization mechanisms of arsenate in iron hydroxide sludge stabilized with cement

Environ Sci Technol. 2003 Nov 1;37(21):5050-6. doi: 10.1021/es021027g.

Abstract

Leaching tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, and thermodynamic modeling were performed to investigate arsenate [As(V)] immobilization mechanisms in iron hydroxide sludge stabilized with cement. The sludge from a groundwater remediation site in Tacoma, WA was mixed and immobilized with premixed cement to reach cement-to-sludge ratios of 2.5, 3.3, 5, 10, and 20 (wt premixed cement/wt dry sludge). The EXAFS analysis determined that As(V) formed bidentate mononuclear complexes on the iron hydroxide surface in the sludge. The adsorbed As(V) had a characteristic FTIR band at 830 cm(-1). Cement treatment converted the adsorbed As(V) to calcium arsenate precipitate with a FTIR peak at 860 cm(-1). The chemical forms of the As(V) were incorporated in an adsorption triple layer model (TLM) to describe the leaching behavior of As(V) in a pH range between 3 and 12. Cement treatment significantly reduced arsenic mobility because of the formation of the sparingly soluble calcium arsenate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arsenates / chemistry
  • Arsenic / chemistry*
  • Calcium Compounds / chemistry
  • Construction Materials
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*
  • Solubility
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Arsenates
  • Calcium Compounds
  • Ferric Compounds
  • ferric hydroxide
  • calcium arsenate
  • Arsenic