Chemical stabilization remediation for heavy metals in contaminated soils on the latest decade: Available stabilizing materials and associated evaluation methods-A critical review

Numerous studies have indicated that anthropogenic activities are the dominant contributors of heavy metals migrated into soil environment, which result in an increased demand for soil remediation worldwide. Based on the scientific literature published between 2010 and 2020, a systematical review was provided for different types of stabilizing materials employed to remediate heavy metal polluted soils using chemical stabilization technology. It should be also noted that soil conditions, experiment types, element geochemistry, treatment time, as well as the types and rates of stabilizers, are the most important factors influencing metal stabilization performance. Moreover, the physicochemical and ecotoxicological methods used for the assessment of metal stabilization efficiency were comprehensively summarized. However, an important bottle-neck problem has not been resolved about whether the stabilization efficiency remains stable in the long-term remediation process, owing to various environmental factors, such as temperature variations, acid deposition and microbial activities. Finally, the key priority needs to be focused on developing an innovative, highly efficient and economically feasible in situ remediation technology, while establishing an integrated evaluation method assessing its long-term effectiveness. This study provides the latest knowledge on the development and applications of chemical stabilization remediation for heavy metal contaminated soils.

Automated summary

Numerous studies have shown that anthropogenic activities are major contributors to heavy metal pollution in soil, leading to a global demand for soil remediation. Key factors affecting metal stabilization performance include soil conditions, experiment types, element geochemistry, treatment time, types and rates of stabilizers. Additionally, the long-term stability of stabilization efficiency remains a challenge due to environmental factors.