About this Research Topic
Environmental pollution caused by solid wastes containing heavy metals (SWHM) is a significant concern worldwide. Heavy metals in solid wastes have severe detrimental effects on both human health and the environment if not properly disposed of using safe and effective methods. The improper disposal of SWHM can result in their leaching into the soil, water bodies, and atmosphere. This contamination poses risks to ecosystems, groundwater sources, and food chains, as heavy metals tend to accumulate in organisms, leading to long-term health issues.
In response to this environmental challenge, considerable efforts have been made for resource conversion and safe disposal of SWHM. Resource conversion involves implementing technologies and processes to extract and recover valuable materials from SWHM. Various methods, such as hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical techniques, are employed to separate and recover metals. On the other hand, Safe disposal strategies aim to effectively manage and treat SWHM, thereby minimizing their harmful effects. Techniques like stabilization/solidification and encapsulation are utilized to immobilize heavy metals and prevent their leaching into the surrounding environment.
The objective of resource conversion and safe disposal of SWHM is to minimize the release of these harmful substances into the environment while maximizing the recovery and reuse of valuable resources. This necessitates implementing technologies and practices that facilitate the extraction and recovery of metals from waste materials, as well as the proper management and treatment of these wastes to prevent their negative impacts on human health and the environment. Ultimately, the aim is to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and move towards a more sustainable approach in handling SWHM. By achieving these goals, we can protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and foster a healthier and more sustainable future.
This Research Topic welcomes contributions of original and novel fundamental research. Subject areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Solidification/stabilization
• Environmental analysis and sustainability assessment (environmental impact assessment, assessment of risks and interactions of pollutants in the environment, etc.)
• Development of technologies intended for applications to soil (soil remediation, etc.)
• Disposal and management of solid waste containing heavy metals (municipal solid waste incinerated fly ash, lead-zinc smelting slag, electroplating sludge, chromite ore processing residue, contaminated soil, etc.)
In response to this environmental challenge, considerable efforts have been made for resource conversion and safe disposal of SWHM. Resource conversion involves implementing technologies and processes to extract and recover valuable materials from SWHM. Various methods, such as hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical techniques, are employed to separate and recover metals. On the other hand, Safe disposal strategies aim to effectively manage and treat SWHM, thereby minimizing their harmful effects. Techniques like stabilization/solidification and encapsulation are utilized to immobilize heavy metals and prevent their leaching into the surrounding environment.
The objective of resource conversion and safe disposal of SWHM is to minimize the release of these harmful substances into the environment while maximizing the recovery and reuse of valuable resources. This necessitates implementing technologies and practices that facilitate the extraction and recovery of metals from waste materials, as well as the proper management and treatment of these wastes to prevent their negative impacts on human health and the environment. Ultimately, the aim is to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and move towards a more sustainable approach in handling SWHM. By achieving these goals, we can protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and foster a healthier and more sustainable future.
This Research Topic welcomes contributions of original and novel fundamental research. Subject areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Solidification/stabilization
• Environmental analysis and sustainability assessment (environmental impact assessment, assessment of risks and interactions of pollutants in the environment, etc.)
• Development of technologies intended for applications to soil (soil remediation, etc.)
• Disposal and management of solid waste containing heavy metals (municipal solid waste incinerated fly ash, lead-zinc smelting slag, electroplating sludge, chromite ore processing residue, contaminated soil, etc.)
Keywords: Solidification/stabilization, Heavy metals, Leaching concentration, Composite geopolymer, Soil remediation, Alkali-activation, Environmental stability performance, Cementitious materials
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