Solidification/stabilization of lead with the aid of bagasse as an additive to Portland cement

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) of hazardous waste is a widely used tech nology; therefore, it is crucial to evaluate its effectiveness and make att empts to improve the technique, A better matrix for S/S of hazardous waste was designed that is effective and economically feasible. This was accompli shed by adding bagasse (byproduct of milling or diffusing sugar cane) to th e waste/cement matrix. Lead nitrate was used as the model heavy metal waste with a 10 or 15% lead by weight to cement loading. Samples were cured for 7, 14, and 28 days at 24 degreesC. Samples containing bagasse typically res ulted in TCLP (modified) extract lead concentrations of approximately 0.5 m g/l of lead for all samples, while samples containing no bagasse had lead e xtract concentrations of approximately 5 mg/l for 10% samples and 45 mg/l f or 15%. Results indicate that using bagasse as an additive to cement effect ively improved the S/S of lead. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r eserved.