Tracking the current situation and key paths of phosphogypsum harmlessness
Hao Zou1, Zhenshan Chen1, Jun Jiang1
1School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Research Center for Ecological Remediation of Mining & Metallurgical Sites, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
Journal of Environmental Sciences (China)
|May 30, 2026
Summary
Phosphogypsum (PG), a hazardous industrial waste, poses environmental risks due to harmful substances. This review details harmless treatment technologies, challenges, and pathways for safe, large-scale utilization of phosphogypsum.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Phosphogypsum (PG) is a hazardous solid waste from phosphorus production.
- It contains harmful substances like acids, fluorine, heavy metals, and radioactive elements.
- Increasing PG stockpiles cause soil acidification, water pollution, and ecological damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of harmless phosphogypsum treatment technologies.
- To identify key technical requirements and development pathways for safe PG disposal.
- To offer a foundation for sustainable management and large-scale PG utilization.
Main Methods:
- Review of formation processes and physicochemical properties of harmful substances in PG.
- Analysis of environmental hazards associated with PG.
- Evaluation of immobilization mechanisms, current research, policies, and challenges.
- Exploration of prospective pathways for large-scale PG utilization.
Main Results:
- Harmful substances in PG and their environmental impacts are detailed.
- Various immobilization techniques and their effectiveness are discussed.
- Current research progress, policy support, and development challenges are outlined.
- Potential avenues for large-scale PG utilization are identified.
Conclusions:
- Systematic reviews on harmless PG treatment are limited, hindering comprehensive understanding.
- Addressing core technical issues is crucial for advancing PG treatment research and application.
- This review provides a theoretical foundation and practical reference for safe, sustainable PG management and utilization.
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