Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability
Published on: June 21, 2015
Solidification/stabilisation of Pb (II) and Cu (II) containing wastewater in cement matrix
Soumitra Maiti1,2, Jaideep Malik2, Basheshwer Prasad1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, India.
Abstract:
This study reported solidification/stabilisation of lead and copper-laden fly ash (adsorbent) utilising cement as binder for their ultimate disposal. The Pb (II) and Cu (II) loaded fly ash was successfully immobilised within the cement matrix without presence of any chemical agents. A retardation of 80-100 min in the setting time of cement paste was noticed on the addition of metal-laden fly ash attributed to the presence of metal ions. However, a gradual decrease in mechanical strength of the mortars was observed with higher amounts of Pb (II) and Cu (II)-loaded fly ash in the mix composition. This decrease is ascribed to the breakdown of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel network in the presence of metal crystallites, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) analyses. TG-DTG studies also reveal a decrease in CSH (%) from 4.77% (for fly ash cement mortar) to 4.14% and 3.86% for Pb (II) and Cu (II)-loaded fly ash mortars, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of metal-laden fly ash cement mortars substantiate the immobilisation of Pb (II) and Cu (II) metal ions in the cement matrix as peaks for Ca[Pb(OH)3]2 and Ca[CuH2O5Si] are visible in their patterns, respectively. TCLP tests conducted on 56 day cured metal-laden fly ash mortars show leachate concentration not exceeding the discharge standards. Overall, these results indicate that this integrated adsorption- solidification/stabilisation process is efficient for safe disposal and utilisation of heavy metal-laden fly ash for building and construction related work as a secondary material.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Solubility
Hydration of Cement
Coagulation
Corrosion of Reinforcement
However, over time and under certain conditions like carbonation, chloride ingress, and cracking this protective state can be compromised. Steel has areas with...
Testing Water Quality
Waterproofing and Anti-Bacterial Admixtures in Concrete
Waterproofing admixtures render concrete hydrophobic,...

