Evaluation of the degree of Cr ions immobilization by different binders

Disposal of industrial solid wastes can cause environmental risks due to the mobility of toxic elements. Stabilization/solidification (s/s) is an effective tool in the treatment of various wastes; however, there is a lack of chemical fixation on the concentrations of Cr. Thus, Cr, in particular Cr6+, remains free in the leachate. Some phases of the blast furnace slag seem to be able to exert a solubility control on chromium. This study evaluates the effect of various binders on the fixation of Cr ions. Static leaching tests were conducted at two different water-solid ratios as a means to distinguish elements that have solubility controls. The results show that Cr content decreases very quickly to obtain values near 0.03 ppm soon after the contact between the contaminated solution and the different binders. The sample containing only the slag was the most effective. Cr was evenly distributed in the C-S-H as detected by scanning electron microscope (SEM)