The bulk composition and leaching properties of electroplating sludge prior/following the solidification/stabilization by calcium oxide

Abstract

Eighteen samples of electroplating sludge were taken from three vertical profiles of waste storage pond of the zinc plating facility. Dry matter and organic matter content, pH value, bulk concentrations and leachate composition were determined. A sludge sample with the highest zinc value in the leachate was treated with calcium oxide (10% to 70%) and the obtained solidificate was repeatedly tested. There were found significant variations of all measured parameters among the profiles of untreated waste. Dry matter content varied from 125 to 455 mgg⁻¹, organic matter varied from 94.3 to 293.9 mgg⁻¹, and pH value varied from 3.42 to 5.90 (mean 4.34). Iron content ranged from 38.4 to 191.4 mgg⁻¹ (mean 136 mgg⁻¹; RSD 0.25), while zinc ranged from 10.9 to 58.2 mgg⁻¹ (mean 33.4 mgg⁻¹; RSD 0.38). According to its DIN38414-S4 leachate composition, this material was not suitable for landfilling of inert waste since zinc and nickel mean values were 10 and 1.5 times higher, respectively, and maximum values 27 and 2.5 times higher, respectively, compared to the upper permissible limit. Maximum values of Cr(VI), Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn in the DIN38414-S4 leachate were 0.183 mgL⁻¹, 34.085 mgL⁻¹, 1.052 mgL⁻¹, 0.829 mgL⁻¹ and 107.475 mgL⁻¹L, respectively. Following the solidification/stabilization procedure with CaO (sample/CaO = 90/10), concentrations of Cr(VI), Fe, Cu and Zn were reduced 92, 44, 66 and 57 times, respectively, compared to the untreated sample. The addition of 50% of CaO into the sludge reduced zinc and nickel concentrations 79 and 45 times, respectively, in the DIN38414-S4 leachate of the solidified waste compared to the original sludge, thereby converting an hazardous waste into the inert material suitable for landfilling or reuse in the construction processes.

Keywords:

• Zinc
• electroplating sludge
• solidification/stabilization
• calcium oxide
• leaching

Notes

∗Ordinance on the methods and conditions for the landfill of waste, categories and operational requirements for waste landfills (OG No. 117/07) for landfilling of inert waste.^{[ 25 ]}

∗Ordinance on the methods and conditions for the landfill of waste, categories and operational requirements for waste landfills (OG No. 117/07) for landfilling of inert waste.