Strategic selection of an optimal sorbent mixture for in-situ remediation of heavy metal contaminated sediments: Framework and case study

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.03.037Get rights and content

Abstract

Aquatic sediments contaminated with heavy metals originating from mining and metallurgical activities pose significant risk to the environment and human health. These sediments not only act as a sink for heavy metals, but can also constitute a secondary source of heavy metal contamination. A variety of sorbent materials has demonstrated the potential to immobilize heavy metals. However, the complexity of multi-element contamination makes choosing the appropriate sorbent mixture and application dosage highly challenging. In this paper, a strategic framework is designed to systematically address the development of an in-situ sediment remediation solution through Assessment, Feasibility and Performance studies. The decision making tools and the experimental procedures needed to identify optimum sorbent mixtures are detailed. Particular emphasis is given to the utilization and combination of commercially available and waste-derived sorbents to enhance the sustainability of the solution. A specific case study for a contaminated sediment site in Northern Belgium with high levels of As, Cd, Pb and Zn originating from historical non-ferrous smelting is presented. The proposed framework is utilized to achieve the required remediation targets and to meet the imposed regulations on material application in natural environments.

Highlights

► A framework for in-situ remediation of heavy metal laden sediments is introduced. ► Decision making tools, assessment guidelines and experimental procedures are given. ► Multi-element contamination requires combination of sorbents. ► Pure and waste-derived sorbents are used for optimization of sorbent mixtures. ► A detailed case study demonstrates the efficacy of the framework.

Introduction

Mining and metallurgical activities have induced historical soil and groundwater pollution by heavy metals around the world. Geochemical weathering processes acting upon the metallurgical wastes initiate the process of spreading these anthropogenic heavy metals from the contaminated areas into the environment. Hence, the contaminated sites are only the beginning of toxic contaminant release; toxic substances can follow different environmental pathways and accumulate in environmental sinks. Sediments at the bottom of rivers, creeks and brooks are such environmental sinks for toxic substances (Warren, 1981; Basta and McGowen, 2004). The redistribution of heavy metals by means of solute transport mechanisms can adversely affect water resources and endanger the health of surrounding ecosystems and human populations. Cost effective and ecological remediation of these sites is important to enhance the sustainable future of the metals industry.

Remediation refers to the process of environmental cleanup of contaminated sites, and the techniques to decrease or eliminate contamination from soil, sediment, surface water or groundwater (Page, 1997). The complexity of these systems often requires unique treatment solutions, which must result from detailed research and development of appropriate technologies. Literature on sorption processes for an array of heavy metals is abundant, each offering a unique solution and point of view (notable reviews by Shi et al., 2009; Yadanaparthi et al., 2009; Hashim et al., 2011). However scientific literature customarily focuses on the effect of single adsorbents on heavy metal adsorption. Moreover, the effectiveness of sorbents is most often discussed only with regards to relative performance and the fitting of adsorption isotherms, rarely comparing achieved results to hard targets or regulated values. These shortcomings generate a disconnect between scientific research and industrial practice, making it difficult for novel technologies and innovative engineering approaches to be implemented in the real world.

The authors of this paper herein set out to establish a systematic approach to the development of optimized remediation solutions. This work aims to provide the strategy needed to tackle heavy metal contamination in sediments, and guidance on bridging the gap between laboratory-based scientific development and real world field application of sorbents. Emphasis is given to in-situ adsorption remediation, which is an attractive method for remediation of large and dispersed contamination sites. Focus on the utilization of both commercially available and waste-derived sorbents is given. A strategic framework is detailed, and the efficacy of the proposed framework is illustrated by a case study on the remediation of sediments contaminated by the non-ferrous industry in Northern Belgium.

Section snippets

Remediation assessment strategy

The detailed strategy for assessment of the optimal remediation approach for contaminated sediment treatment by means of sorbent use has been defined by benchmarking established methodologies and past experiences garnered by the present authors. In particular, attention is drawn to the challenge of treating multi-element contaminated sites, where single sorbent application is not sufficient to reach the desired remediation results (i.e. meeting environmental regulations of contaminant release),

Assessment study

The first stage of the proposed framework consists of a series of preliminary tests that are conducted to understand the contamination situation and sediment characteristics. These, together with a thorough and targeted literature review, are meant to aid the planning and design of the main experimental study.

Case study: contaminated sediment treatment

The strategic framework herein established is put to use in the development of a remediation solution to contaminated brook sediments in Northern Belgium. Sediment samples used in this study originate from an area affected from historical pollution due to metallurgical activities (Vanbroekhoven et al., 2008) that have contaminated the soil, groundwater and the sediments in small brooks (Fig. 2) that discharge into larger fluvial systems. In the study area, chemical precipitates derived from

Conclusions

The proposed framework, encompassing several methods and strategies, proved useful for finding effective sorbent mixtures for the case study discussed. Its application led to a systematic and well structured research and development program, which delivered the required results with sufficient level of detail and confidence. In comparison, it was confirmed that a thorough review of the available literature is only useful in providing guidance to the most promising remediation solutions, but it

Acknowledgment

The K.U. Leuven Industrial Research Fund is gratefully acknowledged for funding the knowledge platform for Sustainable Materialization of Residues from Thermal Processes into Products (SMaRT-Pro2) in which this work was performed. The authors are also thankful for the support provided by OVAM (Public Waste Agency of Flanders) during the execution of the case study.

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