Advances in the use of recycled non-ferrous slag as a resource for non-ferrous metal mine site remediation

Jiaxing Ban, Keke Sun, Jun Yao, Geoffrey Sunahara, Karen Hudson-Edwards, Gyozo Jordan, Lena Alakangas, Wen Ni, Chi Sun Poon

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The growing global demand for non-ferrous metals has led to serious environmental issues involving uncovered mine site slag dumps that threaten the surrounding soils, surface waters, groundwater, and the atmosphere. Remediation of these slags using substitute cement materials for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and precursors for alkali-activated materials (AAMs) can convert hazardous solid wastes into valuable construction materials, as well as to attain the desired solidification and stabilization (S/S) of heavy metal(loid)s (HM). This review discusses the current research on the effect of non-ferrous slags on the reaction mechanisms of the OPC and AAM. The S/S of HM from the non-ferrous slags in AAM and OPC is also reviewed. HM can be stabilized in these materials based on the complex salt effect and isomorphic effects. The major challenges faced in AAMs and OPC for HM stabilization include the long-term durability of the matrix (e.g., sulfate attack, stability of volume). The existing knowledge gaps and future trends for the sustainable application of non-ferrous slags are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number113533
JournalEnvironmental Research
Volume213
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2022

Keywords

  • Alkali activated materials
  • Cementitious materials
  • Durability
  • Non-ferrous slag
  • Solidification and stabilization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • General Environmental Science

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