Effects of binding materials on microaggregate size distribution in bauxite residues

It is recognized that for successful establishment of a vegetation cover on bauxite residue disposal areas, soil formation and a greater understanding of the processes of soil development are crucial. The stability of microaggregates is a very important physical property that prevents erosion in bauxite residues. Samples were collected from a disposal area in Central China to determine not only the mechanism of aggregation but also clay dispersion. Colloidal stability was assessed by determining organic matter, carbonate, electrolyte, clay mineral, and iron-aluminum oxide forms, as these would contribute to their stability. Organic matter improved microaggregate stability by combining with clay particles and polyvalent cations to form macroaggregates. Polyvalent cations such as calcium had a positive effect on particle flocculation, while organic molecules were more effective at stabilizing microaggregates. Removal of salinity dispersed silt-size aggregates into clay-size aggregates and reduced microaggregate stability. Calcium improved particle aggregation, while sodium had the reverse effect. Quartz powder was added to the residues but did not show any cementing effect, while free and amorphous iron-aluminum oxides were effective binding agents for microaggregate formation. We propose that the presence of organic matter and polyvalent cations, together with incorporation of organic carbon and calcium minerals, may enhance the stability of this material and prove beneficial toward improving its physical condition.