Solidification/stabilization: A remedial option for metal-contaminated soils

Abstract

Decontamination of hazardous discards by immobilization of toxic components is a longstanding approach for managing waste, while it gained much attention in recent years due to the increasing number of statutes and regulations favouring the technology. The solidification/stabilization (S/S) technique is the commonly adopted immobilization option to treat the contaminated soils, which employ additives to convert the hazardous waste to non-hazardous mass in accordance with the legitimate landfill provisions. The discussion is further extended to the stabilization of toxic elements in contaminated soils using chemical amendments. The current paper presents a summarized overview on the application of S/S technique in managing metal-contaminated soil, including information about the frequently used additives for the purpose, and the steps involved in the implementation of S/S remediation.