A Screening Assessment of Solidification/Stabilization for Industrial and Municipal Storm Water Residuals

Abstract

Particulate and residual materials associated with urban rainfall-runoff are a persistent and profuse source of pollution due to the heavy metal loadings encountered by these materials. Heavy metal laden particulate matter originating from infrastructure, industrial and municipal, accumulates on surfaces such as urban pavement during dry weather conditions and is conveyed to the surrounding environment by runoff during storm events. Through rainfall-runoff transport, these particulates are either diverted to a best management practice (BMP) treatment system or are introduced into the environment. Depending on the effectiveness of the BMP, such treatment systems have the potential to be an abundant source of solid waste. The soils, sediments, and residuals from treatment facilities have the potential to contain heavy metal loadings in sufficient quantities to be classified as a hazardous waste.In this study, the application of cement-based solidification/stabilization (S/S) for the treatment of heavy metal-laden storm water residuals was evaluated for compressive strength and leaching characteristics. Two types of cement, type I portland and slag, were chosen and employed in the application of the S/S technology. 1:1 ratios of the type I and slag cements were mixed and used as a third cement tested in the application of S/S.