Portland cement-based solidification/stabilization treatment of waste

Conference · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:679400

Wilk, C M ^[1]

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1. Portland Cement Association, Skokie, IL (United States)

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) is used to treat RCRA hazardous wastes and wastes with free liquids prior to land disposal. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers S/S to be an established treatment technology. EPA has identified S/S treatment as Best Demonstrated Available Treatment Technology (BDAT) for at least 57 RCRA hazardous wastes. S/S treatment technology is also used for the remediation of contaminated properties. Sources at these sites are often contaminated soils or sediments. According to the EPA, solidification/stabilization (S/S) is the most frequently selected treatment technology for controlling the sources of environmental contamination at Superfund program sites. Thirty percent of selected remedies for these sites include the use of S/S. Since S/S is so frequently applied on RCRA wastes and for Superfund projects, it is important that environmental professionals understand the physical, chemical, and regulatory aspects of the technology as well as how to apply the technology in the field. S/S treatment involves mixing a binding reagent into the contaminated media or waste. Binding reagents are selected on the basis of the reagent`s ability to (a) chemically bind free liquids; (b) fix or immobilize the hazardous constituent within the treated waste, and (c) reduce the toxicity of the contaminants. This is accomplished by physical changes to the waste form and often, chemical changes to the hazardous constituents themselves. Portland cement is the most frequently used binding reagent for S/S treatment. The paper will discuss: (a) applicability of the technology to various wastes; (b) basic cement chemistry relating to S/S; (c) tests used to design treatability studies and to verify treatment; (d) basics on implementation of the technology in the field; and (e) examples of actual projects.

• OSTI ID: 679400
• Report Number(s): CONF-980632--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PORTLAND CEMENT
REMEDIAL ACTION
SOILS
SOLIDIFICATION
STABILIZATION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
US SUPERFUND