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Comparative study of zero-valent mercury immobilization by solidification/stabilization in a limestone backfill model
Jesus Eduardo Arellano Cortes1, Leila Nait-Kaci1, Nicolas Fatin-Rouge1
1Université de Poitiers, CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers-IC2MP, Poitiers, France.
Chemosphere
|May 25, 2026
Summary
This study demonstrates effective in situ solidification-stabilization (S/S) for immobilizing mercury (Hg(0)) in industrial soils. Combining agents significantly reduced mercury mobility and leachate concentrations while maintaining material permeability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Geochemistry
- Remediation Technologies
Background:
- Mercury contamination from industrial sites poses significant environmental risks.
- Existing treatments for medium-range mercury concentrations in soil are limited.
- In situ solidification-stabilization (S/S) is a promising remediation approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various chemical treatments for immobilizing mercury (Hg(0)) in a limestone backfill model material (BM).
- To assess the impact of these treatments on mercury mobility, mechanical strength, and permeability.
- To identify synergistic effects between solidifying and stabilizing agents.
Main Methods:
- Treatability tests using in situ solidification-stabilization (S/S) on a limestone backfill model material (BM) contaminated with approximately 1000 mg kg-1 Hg(0).
- Investigation of various chemical treatments involving solidifying agents and sulfur-based mercury stabilizers, applied individually and in combination.
- Assessment of treated BM for mercury mobility (GEM release, leachate concentrations), mechanical strength, and residual permeability.
Main Results:
- Synergistic effects were observed between solidifying and stabilizing agents, enhancing mercury immobilization.
- Reductions of up to 600-fold in gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) release and up to 80-fold in total mercury leachate concentrations were achieved after 5 contact days.
- Permeability of the treated BM was reduced by only half, indicating successful maintenance of material porosity.
Conclusions:
- The combined use of solidifying and stabilizing agents is highly effective for in situ mercury remediation.
- Achieved mercury sequestration, material solidification, and permeability maintenance using low reagent concentrations (0.1–4% w/w).
- This S/S approach offers a viable solution for decommissioning mercury-contaminated industrial sites.
