The use of cardboard factory sludge in the remediation of zinc-contaminated sediment

Abstract

Paper and cardboard factory sludges are generated by various processes during pulp, cardboard and paper production, and the increasing quantities produced make the disposal of this sludge a problem. This study investigates the use of cardboard factory sludge as a stabilizing agent in the solidification/ stabilization (S/S) treatment of zinc polluted sediment. Semi-dynamic and toxicity leaching tests were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the solidification/stabilization treatment and long-term zinc leaching behaviour. A diffusion-based model was used to elucidate the controlling leaching mechanisms. The applied S/S treatment was effective in immobilizing zinc, and the controlling leaching mechanism appeared to be diffusion, which indicates that a slow leaching of zinc could be expected when cardboard mill sludge is applied as a S/S agent. © 2012 Copyright (CC) SCS.