Long-term leaching of toxic trace metals from Portland cement concrete

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Cement and Concrete Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(98)00200-2· OSTI ID:351606

Hillier, S R; Sangha, C M; Plunkett, B A; Walden, P J ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Portsmouth (United Kingdom)

Over the past 30 years, environmental regulations in the United Kingdom have become increasingly stringent. Concerns recently were aired over cementitious materials coming into contact with water for human consumption. Some of these materials, by virtue of their origin, can contain toxic trace metals in their composition. Results of a study investigating the long-term leaching of toxic trace metals from various Portland cement mortars in an aqueous environment are presented. Test samples were subjected to a leaching procedure based on criteria detailed by the Netherlands diffusion method. The leachates generated were analyzed for various toxic metals outlined in directive 80/778/EEC using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The analytical results revealed only vanadium leached in detectable quantities from poorly cured concrete, and its removal was restricted from the surface only.

• OSTI ID: 351606
• Journal Information: Cement and Concrete Research, Journal Name: Cement and Concrete Research Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 29; ISSN 0008-8846; ISSN CCNRAI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
CONCRETES
LEACHING
METALS
POLLUTION
PORTLAND CEMENT
TOXIC MATERIALS
VANADIUM