Spatial distribution and leaching behavior of pollutants from phosphogypsum stocked in a gypstack: Geochemical characterization and modeling.

Phosphogypsum (PPG) is the byproduct of the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers from phosphate rocks (PR) by acid digestion. Despite the technical feasibility, the impurities present in this waste make its reuse critical and large amounts of PPG are stockpiled, resulting in the production of polluted acid leachates. The aim of the present study was to characterize the spatial variability and evolution in time of a 20-year-old gypstack and to study the geochemical behavior of the waste in order to assess the best management options. Chemical and mineralogical analyses were performed on core samples taken from 4 different depths of the stack down to 13.5 m. Despite the high homogeneity shown by chemical and mineral characterization, leaching tests revealed a different chemical behavior with depth. pH-dependent leaching tests were also performed to measure the acid neutralization capacity of the studied matrices and to determine the leachability of the elements or pollutants of concern as a function of pH. The study was focused on Ca, Fe Na, Si, Cd and Sr and on F-, PO43- and SO42- anions. The geochemical modeling of these tests with PHREEQC enabled the identification of the minor phases controlling the solubilization of the elements analyzed. Validation of the model by the simulation of a column leaching test suggested that the model could be used as a predictive tool to assess different management scenarios.

Decontamination of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from slag-polluted soil.

Metallurgy is an industrial activity that is one of the largest contributors to soil contamination by metals. This contamination is often associated with organic compound contamination; however, little research has been aimed at the development of simultaneous processes for decontamination as opposed to treatments to heavy metals or organic compounds alone. This paper presents an efficient process to decontaminate the soils polluted with smelting by-products rich in Cu, Zn and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A simultaneous treatment for metals and PAHs was also tested. The process is mainly based on physical techniques, such as crushing, gravimetric separation and attrition. For the finest particle size fractions, an acid extraction with H2SO4 was used to remove metals. The PAH removal was enhanced by adding surfactant during attrition. The total metal removals varied from 49% to 73% for Cu and from 43% to 63% for Zn, whereas a removal yield of 92% was measured for total PAHs. Finally, a technical-economic evaluation was done for the two processes tested.

Fate of phosphorus from treated wastewater in soil-based constructed wetlands.

In France, soil-based constructed wetlands for the discharge of treated wastewater have become a popular technique to both reduce flow to surface receiving water bodies and perform complementary treatments. This study focuses on the fate of phosphorus in three different soils, as well as its assimilation by Phragmites australis. The experimental set-up consisted of three lysimeters containing three soils selected to be representative of those typically found near wastewater treatment plants (i.e. a silt loam Fluvisol, a sandy loam Fluvisol and a sandy-clay loam Technosol). Lysimeters are undisturbed soil monoliths (1.5 m3 in volume), whose masses are continuously monitored in order to obtain an accurate water mass balance. The lysimeters here were intermittently fed for 3.5 days and then left to rest for 3.5 days. The experiment lasted 26 months, including 18 months of feeding with phosphorus (PO4-P, TP) fluxes in and out being monitored along with water content, oxygen content and redox potential at various depths. The quantities of phosphorus stored in the soils and assimilated in the Phragmites australis were measured. Phosphorus fractionation in soils was performed to better understand its distribution and potential remobilization. Low phosphate concentrations were measured at the outlets of all three lysimeters, thereby highlighting satisfactory phosphorus retention in the three soils (removal efficiencies >90%). A significant amount of phosphorus can be exported by harvesting Phragmites australis aerial parts (26%, 17% and 13% of the yearly incoming phosphorus mass for the silt loam Fluvisol, sandy loam Fluvisol and sandy-clay loam Technosol, respectively). The fractionation step served to determine that the phosphorus retained in the soil was primarily bound to iron oxides/hydroxides, calcium and clay. Moreover, it was found to be preferable to hold oxidizing (aerobic) conditions and pH close to neutral in order to maintain conditions under which the complexes formed with phosphorus remain stable.

Influence of loading rate and modes on infiltration of treated wastewater in soil-based constructed wetland.

Over the last 10 years soil-based constructed wetlands for discharge of treated wastewater (TWW) are commonly presented as a valuable option to provide tertiary treatment. The uncomplete knowledge in soil modifications and a lack of clear design practices laid the foundation of this work. The aim of this study was to determine optimal hydraulic loads and to observe the main critical parameters affecting treating performances and hydraulic loads acceptance. For this purpose, a soil rich in clay and backfill was chosen to perform column infiltration tests with TWW. Two loading rates and two loading modes were compared to study the influence of an intermittent feeding. Inlet and outlet waters were periodically analysed and columns were instrumented with balances, tensiometers, O2 and temperature probes. Soil physico-chemical characteristics were also taken into account to better understand the modification of the soil. One of the main expectations of tertiary treatment is to improve phosphate removal. A particular attention was thus given to phosphorus retention. The interest of an intermittent feeding in presence of a soil with high clay content was showed. This study highlighted that an intermittent feeding could make possible the use of a clay-rich soil for water infiltration.