Leaching and geochemical modeling of asbestos-cement waste and mine asbestos

Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) were widely used in the construction sector but, due to their harmful health effects, many countries have banned their use. ACMs are classified as hazardous and, in contact with water, produce potentially harmful leachates. The objective of this work was to determine the leaching behavior of 20 elements from two asbestos-cement materials and mine asbestos samples across the entire pH range and varying liquid-to-solid ratios (column tests). The pH-dependence tests showed consistent leaching patterns across the three materials. Geochemical speciation model (LeachXS) predictions were successful in most cases of the batch experiments and were improved by adjusting iron oxides concentration for some elements. Model predictions were successful for fewer elements in the column experiments. Depending on the pH, element release was controlled by respective solid phase dissolution, sorption onto iron oxides and substitution in ettringite. Some leaching concentrations exceeded the EU limits for granular non-hazardous waste landfills. Considering the strongly alkaline nature of monolithic asbestos-cement waste undergoing carbonation, we propose all three materials to be disposed of in non-hazardous waste landfills, according to EU legislation. A case study concluded that geochemical modeling of ACMs leaching is a useful tool in estimating element release under various environmental conditions.