Work

Sustainable remediation of Cr( VI )‐contaminated soil using mechanochemically activated phosphogypsum‐slag composites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: With rapid industrialization, the environmental challenges of industrial solid waste demand urgent solutions. This study develops a novel composite environmental material (PSEM) via mechanochemical activation of phosphogypsum (PG) and slag. The influence of PSEM mix ratios on the solidification of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]‐contaminated soil was investigated through particle size analysis, unconfined compression tests, volume shrinkage, and toxicity leaching assessments, supported by Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations. Mechanochemical activation significantly reduced PSEM particle size and enhanced reactivity. At a slag‐to‐PG ratio of 1:1.2, compressive strength reached 3.927 MPa, volume shrinkage stabilized at 0.388%–2.530%, and Cr(VI) leaching declined to 0.137 mg/L. The solidified matrix exhibited mesoporous structures with increased surface area, while Cr(VI) was immobilized through chemical substitution and physical encapsulation. These findings demonstrate the potential of PSEM for Cr(VI) stabilization and promote the sustainable utilization of PG.

Source: Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy

DOI: 10.1002/ep.70303

Authors: Tianyu Han, Jun Tai, Yiqie Dong, Haijun Lu, Jun Xu

Institutions: Wuhan Polytechnic University, South China Municipal Engineering Design and Research Institute (China), Wuhan University

Language: English

Topic: Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, Science and Technology Program of Hubei Province