Environmental protection of port logistics using phase analysis

Abstract

The paper explores port logistics of the Republic of Guinea with a focus on environmental protection. The aim of the article is to point out the risks resulting from the development of port infrastructure in parts where daily operations are in place. Two comparison methods were used on soil samples: X-ray diffraction and optical-electronic microscopy based on the harmfulness of each analyzed sample. The leaching tests were connected with thermodynamic modelling in order to determine the element speciation and the saturation indices of possibly precipitating solid phases. The results of thermodynamic models were supplemented by the determination of newly formed phases, using X-ray diffraction phase analysis. The PHREEQC-2 model was used for simulations of arsenic and other elements at the surface of hydrous ferric oxides. The leaching tests revealed that in organic complexes and in extremely basic solutions, high amounts of Pb and other toxic elements are released. It has been confirmed that a suitable alternative to determine the volume of sulphur over 50 mg/kg in geomaterials is the combustion method with infrared detection.