Stabilization of Mine Tailings Using Microbiological Induced Carbonate Precipitation for Dust Mitigation: Treatment Optimization and Durability Assessment
Publication: Geo-Congress 2022
ABSTRACT
Wind erosion (dust) is a severe problem for mine tailings industry, as it poses environmental and safety concerns to public. In this study, microbiologically induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) based on urea hydrolysis was used to stabilize the surface of different tailings materials. An experimental study was performed on soil-filled pans that were prepared using loosely packed tailings material and treated using percolation of reactive solutions. Penetration testing and calcium carbonate content analysis were used to optimize the treatment strategy and assess the strength and durability of the cemented crusts. The MICP treated pans showed an increase in strength and durability with increasing concentration of the cementation solution and number of treatments.
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Published online: Mar 17, 2022
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