Pilot-Scale Application of Attapulgitic Clay for Stabilization of Toxic Elements in Contaminated Soil
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 5
Abstract
This study presents an in situ pilot-scale application of attapulgitic clay for stabilization of toxic metals and metalloids in contaminated soil. The selected field for the pilot-scale experiment was heavily contaminated with toxic metals and metalloids in total (Cu: , Pb: , Zn: , Cd: , Ag: , As: , Mn: , Ba: , Sb: ) and leachable concentrations. Geochemical and physical properties of treated soil were thoroughly studied before and after mixing with the attapulgitic clay. Soil mineralogy was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microsope (SEM) techniques. On the basis of the site-specific soil geochemical properties, an appropriate proportion of specific grain-size attapulgitic clay was added and mixed in situ with simultaneous adjustment of soil moisture content to reach saturation. Analytical data of amended soil samples collected 1 month after the application showed a significant reduction of water leachable metal fraction (Cu: 17%, Pb: 50%, Zn: 45%, Cd: 41%, Ag: 46%, As: 18%, Mn: 47%, Ba: 45%, Sb: 29%). In addition, soil pH was stabilized at slightly alkaline conditions and remained constant during a 7-month monitoring period after amending the soil. Overall, the use of attapulgitic clay as a binder for immobilizing metals in contaminated land is a promising stabilization method at a competitive cost under present market conditions.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 5 • May 2012
Pages: 633 - 637
Copyright
© 2012. American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 28, 2011
Accepted: Aug 16, 2011
Published online: Aug 18, 2011
Published in print: May 1, 2012
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