Mercury Disposal via Sulfur Reactions
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 124, Issue 10
Abstract
A high-shear blending technique for converting large volumes of elemental mercury into mercuric sulfides has been evaluated. The two basic forms of mercuric sulfide (cinnabar and metacinnabar) were prepared by triturating stoichiometric ratios of elemental mercury and sulfur. X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscope techniques confirm the existence of both forms of mercuric sulfide. These sulfides passed the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure test for mercury vapor-phase requirements and thus meet waste acceptance criteria for handling/storage of low-level radioactively contaminated mercury. Black mercuric sulfide (metacinnabar) is the recommended target product in the conversion of mercury to mercuric sulfide, because it is easier and safer to produce. Zinc-mercury amalgams were also prepared and compared with the sulfides in terms of meeting processing and storage requirements for mercury mixed waste. Mercury loading for both forms of mercuric sulfide is significantly higher than mercury loading in a typical transition metal amalgam.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 124 • Issue 10 • October 1998
Pages: 945 - 952
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Oct 1, 1998
Published in print: Oct 1998
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