Beneficial Use of Contaminated Dredged Sediments in Portland Cement Manufacture

Cement using dredged material as a replacement source of iron and aluminum is currently being manufactured in a laboratory muffle furnace under conditions mimicking those of a typical cement plant. A mass balance of heavy metals will be presented, along with leaching tests on the cement and concrete product. Studies characterizing the solid phase speciation of dredged materials and the mineral phases incorporating heavy metals in the cement material are underway. This characterization process is necessary to ensure the protection of environmental and community health as well as the health of the workers at the cement manufacturing plant. Micro-structural and environmental assessments of the feasibility of manufacturing cement with contaminated dredged material will be considered from both a practical and economical standpoint.