Solidification and Stabilization of Heavy Metals in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash Using Nanoalumina by Alkali-Activated Treatment
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 2
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash containing heavy metals is hazardous solid waste that requires safe disposal. Alkali-activated treatment can effectively improve the environmental safety of MSWI fly ash. Due to the low alumina content of MSWI fly ash, the addition of nanoalumina (NA) solves the defect to enhance the ability of solidification/stabilization (S/S) and maximize the utilization of MSWI fly ash. NA/MSWI fly ash solidified body was prepared by alkali-activated technology in this work. In this study, NA was added (0–3 wt.%) to explore its effects on mechanical properties and heavy metal immobilization efficiency of NA/MSWI fly ash solidified body. Research results revealed that when the addition of NA was 2 wt.%, the compressive strength of solidified bodies can significantly increase by 38.0% and 42.8% at 7 and 28 days, respectively. Meanwhile, the leaching concentration of heavy metals in NA/MSWI fly ash solidified body can noticeably reduce with the immobilization efficiency of above 99.5%. Adding NA promoted the ratio of stable state on Pb and Zn in solidified bodies. A series of microscopic characterization analyses indicated that NA stimulated gels and Friedel’s salt formation, and N–A–S–H was also found in the NA/MSWI fly ash solidified body, enhancing S/S heavy metals by physical adsorption, physical encapsulation, and chemical bonding. Therefore, this study paves a potential new way for the application of nanomaterials in S/S MSWI fly ash through alkali-activated technology, and nanoalumina is a more promising candidate.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support from Key Project Supported by the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U20A20324), National Natural Science Foundation of China (52272016), and Dalian Science and Technology Innovation Fund Project (2020JJ26SN060).
References
Abanades, S., G. Flamant, and B. Gagnepain. 2002. “Fate of heavy metals during municipal solid waste incineration.” Waste Manage. Res. 20 (1): 55–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X0202000107.
Bai, Y., W. Guo, X. Wang, H. Pan, Q. Zhao, and D. Wang. 2022. “Utilization of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash with red mud-carbide slag for eco-friendly geopolymer preparation.” J. Cleaner Prod. 340 (Mar): 130820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130820.
Bie, R., P. Chen, X. Song, and X. Ji. 2016. “Characteristics of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash with cement solidification treatment.” J. Energy Inst. 89 (4): 704–712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joei.2015.04.006.
Chen, L., L. Wang, D. Cho, D. C. Tsang, L. Tong, Y. Zhou, J. Yang, Q. Hu, and C. S. Poon. 2019. “Sustainable stabilization/solidification of municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash by incorporation of green materials.” J. Cleaner Prod. 222 (Jun): 335–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.057.
Chen, P., B. Ma, H. Tan, X. Liu, T. Zhang, H. Qi, Y. Peng, Q. Yang, and J. Wang. 2020. “Effects of amorphous aluminum hydroxide on chloride immobilization in cement-based materials.” Constr. Build. Mater. 231 (Jan): 117171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117171.
Chen, Q., M. Qian, C. Jia, J. Lin, G. Jiang, and B. Guan. 2016a. “Formation of mesoporous calcium sulfate microspheres through phase conversion in controlled calcination.” RSC Adv. 6 (83): 79578–79583. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA17425F.
Chen, W., B. Li, Q. Li, and J. Tian. 2016b. “Effect of polyaluminum chloride on the properties and hydration of slag-cement paste.” Constr. Build. Mater. 124 (Oct): 1019–1027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.08.154.
Chinese Standard. 2007. Solid waste. Extraction procedure for leaching toxicity. Sulphuric acid and nitric acid method. HJ/T 299-2007. Beijing: Chinese Standard.
Colombo, A., M. Geiker, H. Justnes, R. A. Lauten, and K. D. Weerdt. 2018. “The effect of calcium lignosulfonate on ettringite formation in cement paste.” Cem. Concr. Res. 107 (May): 188–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.02.021.
Deb, P. S., P. K. Sarker, and S. Barbhuiya. 2015. “Effects of nano-silica on the strength development of geopolymer cured at room temperature.” Constr. Build. Mater. 101 (Dec): 675–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.10.044.
Fan, C., B. Wang, H. Ai, and Z. Liu. 2022. “A comparative study on characteristics and leaching toxicity of fluidized bed and grate furnace MSWI fly ash.” J. Environ. Manage. 305 (Mar): 114345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114345.
Fan, C., B. Wang, H. Ai, Y. Qi, and Z. Liu. 2021. “A comparative study on solidification/stabilization characteristics of coal fly ash-based geopolymer and Portland cement on heavy metals in MSWI fly ash.” J. Cleaner Prod. 319 (Oct): 128790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128790.
Hafid, K. E., and M. Hajjaji. 2018. “Geopolymerization of glass- and silicate-containing heated clay.” Constr. Build. Mater. 159 (Jan): 598–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.11.018.
Huang, K., X. Fan, M. Gan, and Z. Ji. 2019. Use of municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash in alkali activated slag cement. In Characterization of minerals, metals, and materials 2019, 401–410. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
Kapeluszna, E., Ł. Kotwica, A. Różycka, and Ł. Gołek. 2017. “Incorporation of Al in C-A-S-H gels with various Ca/Si and Al/Si ratio: Microstructural and structural characteristics with DTA/TG, XRD, FTIR and TEM analysis.” Constr. Build. Mater. 155 (Nov): 643–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.08.091.
Kloprogge, J. T., Z. Ding, W. N. Martens, R. D. Schuiling, L. V. Duong, and R. L. Frost. 2004. “Thermal decomposition of syngenite, ·.” Thermochim. Acta. 417 (1): 143–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2003.12.001.
Kumarathasan, P., G. J. McCarthy, D. J. Hassett, and D. F. Pflughoeft-Hassett. 1989. “Oxyanion substituted ettringites: Synthesis and characterization; and their potential role in immobilization of As, B, Cr, Se and V.” In Vol. 178 of Proc., Material Research Society Symp. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Li, J., Y. Shi, Y. Cai, S. Mou, and G. Jiang. 2007. “Adsorption of di-ethyl-phthalate from aqueous solutions with surfactant-coated nano/microsized alumina.” Chem. Eng. J. 140 (1–3): 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2007.09.037.
Li, Y., Z. Liu, H. Liu, and B. Peng. 2017. “Clean strengthening reduction of lead and zinc from smelting waste slag by iron oxide.” J. Cleaner Prod. 143 (Feb): 311–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.108.
Li, Y., X. Min, Y. Ke, D. Liu, and C. Tang. 2019. “Preparation of red mud-based geopolymer materials from MSWI fly ash and red mud by mechanical activation.” Waste Manage. 83 (Jan): 202–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.11.019.
Liu, J., L. Hu, L. Tang, and J. Ren. 2021a. “Utilisation of municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash with metakaolin for preparation of alkali-activated cementitious material.” J. Hazard. Mater. 402 (Jan): 123451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123451.
Liu, Q., Y. Li, J. Zhang, Y. Chi, X. Ruan, J. Liu, and G. Qian. 2011. “Effective removal of zinc from aqueous solution by hydrocalumite.” Chem. Eng. J. 175 (Nov): 33–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2011.09.022.
Liu, X., P. Feng, W. Li, G. Geng, J. Huang, Y. Gao, S. Mu, and J. Hong. 2021b. “Effects of pH on the nano/micro structure of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) under sulfate attack.” Cem. Concr. Res. 140 (Feb): 106306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106306.
Luo, S., S. Zhao, P. Zhang, J. Li, X. Huang, B. Jiao, and D. Li. 2022. “Co-disposal of MSWI fly ash and lead–zinc smelting slag through alkali-activation technology.” Constr. Build. Mater. 327 (Apr): 127006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127006.
Maddalena, R., C. Hall, and A. Hamilton. 2019. “Effect of silica particle size on the formation of calcium silicate hydrate [CSH] using thermal analysis.” Thermochim. Acta. 672 (Feb): 142–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2018.09.003.
Myers, R., E. L’Hôpital, J. L. Provis, and B. Lothenbach. 2015. “Effect of temperature and aluminium on calcium (alumino)silicate hydrate chemistry under equilibrium conditions.” Cem. Concr. Res. 68 (Feb): 83–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2014.10.015.
Myneni, S. C., S. J. Traina, G. A. Waychunas, and T. J. Logan. 1998. “Vibrational spectroscopy of functional group chemistry and arsenate coordination in ettringite.” Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 62 (21–22): 3499–3514. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7037(98)00221-X.
Nath, S. K., S. Mukherjee, S. Maitra, and S. Kumar. 2014. “Ambient and elevated temperature geopolymerization behaviour of class F fly ash.” Trans. Indian Ceram. Soc. 73 (2): 126–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/0371750X.2014.922428.
Nie, S., J. Zhou, F. Yang, M. Lan, J. Li, Z. Zhang, Z. Chen, M. Xu, H. Li, and J. G. Sanjayan. 2022. “Analysis of theoretical carbon dioxide emissions from cement production: Methodology and application.” J. Cleaner Prod. 334 (Feb): 130270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130270.
Njuguna, S. M., X. Yan, R. W. Gituru, Q. Wang, and J. Wang. 2017. “Assessment of macrophyte, heavy metal, and nutrient concentrations in the water of the Nairobi River, Kenya.” Environ. Monit. Assess. 189 (9): 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-017-6159-0.
Noushini, A., A. Castel, J. Aldred, and A. Rawal. 2020. “Chloride diffusion resistance and chloride binding capacity of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 105 (Jan): 103290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.04.006.
Partanen, J., P. Backman, R. Backman, and M. Hupa. 2005. “Absorption of HCl by limestone in hot flue gases. Part II: Importance of calcium hydroxychloride.” Fuel 84 (12–13): 1674–1684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2005.02.012.
Paul, G., E. Boccaleri, L. Buzzi, F. Canonico, and D. Gastaldi. 2015. “Friedel’s salt formation in sulfoaluminate cements: A combined XRD and 27Al MAS NMR study.” Cem. Concr. Res. 67 (Jan): 93–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2014.08.004.
Qian, G., Y. Cao, P. Chui, and J. Tay. 2006. “Utilization of MSWI fly ash for stabilization/solidification of industrial waste sludge.” J. Hazard. Mater. 129 (1–3): 274–281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.09.003.
Ren, J., L. Hu, Z. Dong, L. Tang, F. Xing, and J. Liu. 2021. “Effect of silica fume on the mechanical property and hydration characteristic of alkali-activated municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash.” J. Cleaner Prod. 295 (May): 126317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126317.
Sefiu, A. R., B. Zhang, G. Rohiverth, T. Tiju, and M. Yang. 2019. “Geopolymer for use in heavy metals adsorption, and advanced oxidative processes: A critical review.” J. Cleaner Prod. 213 (Mar): 42–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.12.145.
Shi, C., X. Shen, S. Yan, and X. Wu. 1994. “Immobilization of radioactive wastes with Portland and alkali-slag cement pastes.” Cemento 91: 97.
Shi, H., and L. Kan. 2009. “Characteristics of municipal solid wastes incineration (MSWI) fly ash–cement matrices and effect of mineral admixtures on composite system.” Constr. Build. Mater. 23 (6): 2160–2166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2008.12.016.
Shi, Z., C. Shi, S. Wan, N. Li, and Z. Zhang. 2018. “Effect of alkali dosage and silicate modulus on carbonation of alkali-activated slag mortars.” Cem. Concr. Res. 113 (Nov): 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.07.005.
Sun, B., G. Ye, and G. de Schutter. 2022. “A review: Reaction mechanism and strength of slag and fly ash-based alkali-activated materials.” Constr. Build. Mater. 326 (Apr): 126843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126843.
Tang, Q., Y. Liu, F. Gu, and T. Zhou. 2016. “Solidification/stabilization of fly ash from a municipal solid waste incineration facility using Portland cement.” Adv. Mater. Sci. Eng. 2016 (Jan): 7101243. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7101243.
Tessier, A., P. G. C. Campbell, and M. Bisson. 1979. “Sequential extraction procedure for the speciation of particulate trace metals.” Anal. Chem. 51 (7): 844–851. https://doi.org/10.1021/ac50043a017.
Tian, X., F. Rao, R. Morales-Estrella, and S. Song. 2020. “Effects of aluminum dosage on gel formation and heavy metal immobilization in alkali-activated municipal solid waste incineration fly ash.” Energy Fuels 34 (4): 4727–4733. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b04493.
Van Jaarsveld, J., J. Van Deventer, and L. L. Lorenzen. 1998. “Factors affecting the immobilization of metals in geopolymerized fly ash.” Metall. Mater. Trans. B 29 (1): 283–291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-998-0032-z.
Wang, D., J. Chang, and W. S. Ansari. 2019. “The effects of carbonation and hydration on the mineralogy and microstructure of basic oxygen furnace slag products.” J. Util. 34 (Dec): 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2019.06.001.
Wang, L., Y. Zhang, L. Chen, B. Guo, Y. Tan, K. Sasaki, and D. C. W. Tsang. 2021. “Designing novel magnesium oxysulfate cement for stabilization/solidification of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash.” J. Hazard. Mater. 423 (Feb): 127025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127025.
Xu, J., Y. Zhou, and R. Tang. 2006. “Study on the solidification of heavy metals by fly ash based geopolymers.” Jianzhu Cailiao Xuebao (J. Build. Mater.) 9 (3): 341–346.
Zhan, X., L. Wang, C. Hu, J. Gang, T. Xu, J. Li, L. Yang, J. Bai, and S. Zhong. 2018. “Co-disposal of MSWI fly ash and electrolytic manganese residue based on geopolymeric system.” Waste Manage. 82 (Dec): 62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.10.014.
Zhang, X., B. Wang, J. Chang, C. Fan, and Z. Liu. 2022. “Effect of zeolite contents on mineral evolution and heavy metal solidification in alkali-activated MSWI fly ash specimens.” Constr. Build. Mater. 345 (Aug): 128309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128309.
Zhao, S., F. Muhammad, L. Yu, M. Xia, X. Huang, B. Jiao, N. Lu, and D. Li. 2019. “Solidification/stabilization of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash using uncalcined coal gangue-based alkali-activated cementitious materials.” Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. Int. 26 (Sep): 25609–25620. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-05832-5.
Zheng, L., C. Wang, W. Wang, Y. Shi, and X. Gao. 2010. “Immobilization of MSWI fly ash through geopolymerization: Effects of water-wash.” Waste Manage. 31 (2): 311–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2010.05.015.
Zidi, L., A. Ben, and M. El. 2019. “Synthesis of nano-alumina and their effect on structure, mechanical and thermal properties of geopolymer.” J. Asian Ceram. Soc. 7 (4): 524–535. https://doi.org/10.1080/21870764.2019.1676498.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 2 • February 2024
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 10, 2023
Accepted: Jul 20, 2023
Published online: Nov 24, 2023
Published in print: Feb 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Apr 24, 2024
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.