Comparison of several different neutralisations to a bauxite refinery residue: Potential effectiveness environmental ameliorants

Bauxite refinery residues (BRR) remain the single largest environmental problem for the alumina industry, because of the fine-grained nature (>90% at <10 mu m), high pH (>13), high sodicity (>50 g/kg), and high alkalinity (typically approximate to 30 g/kg as equivalent CaCO3). However, neutralisation of BRR provides a geochemically engineered solution, with potential re-use options. Hence, we compare the geochemistry of 4 BRRs: the un-neutralised raw red mud (UNRM), a CO2-neutralised red mud (CNRM), a Basecon (TM)-neutralised (Basecon (TM)) red mud, and a CO2-neutralisation followed by a Basecon (TM)-neutralisation (Hybrid) material from a common source for reuse potential. Compositional changes, including acid neutralising capacity, trace-metal and phosphorous binding capacities, and toxicity leaching characteristics (TCLP) show that different neutralisations produce two geochemically distinct solids, those without alkalinity precipitation, and those with solid alkalinity. From the work completed, both Basecon (TM)-neutralised and Hybrid materials have a significantly higher reuse potential for environmental remediation programs, such as acid rock drainage neutralisations, wastewater treatment, and/or artificial soil construction. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.