Interferences of cement based-solidification/stabilization and heavy metals: a review

Abstract

The Solidification/Stabilization (S/S) of heavy metal soils using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is studied as a hazardous waste treatment technology prior to landfill to lower the leaching rate. Cement is the most adaptable binder currently available for the immobilization of heavy metals. The decision to select of cements and operating parameters depends upon an understanding of chemistry of the system. This paper reviews the literature on the interferences between heavy metals and cement phases in the solidification/stabilization process. It provides a clarification of heavy metal effects on cement hydration and the fundamental chemical mechanisms by which the inhibition of cement takes place. Hence; it is possible to reach some conclusions about the potential effects of most waste constituents even in the absence of particular studies on specific compounds.