ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE PRODUCTS DERIVED FROM THE REMEDIATIONOF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS AND SOILS

摘要

This invention relates to thermo-chemical remediation and decontamination of sediments and soils contaminated with organic contaminants as well as inorganic materials with subsequent beneficial reuse . Novel environmentally stable products of commercial value are produced when certain additives such as calcium and metal oxides are mix ed with the contaminated materials. In the process, the mixture is heated to 1150 .degree.C - 1500 .degree.C to produce a molten reaction product with at least part of an excess amount of oxygen mixture or air is continuously bubbled through the melt in order to provide mixing a nd achieve high thermal destruction and removal efficiencies of the organic contaminants. The melt is then quickly quenched in moist air, steam, or water to avoid the transformation of the amorphous material into crystals. The inorganic contaminants such as chromium, nickel, zinc, etc. are incorporated and completely immobilized within the amorphous silicate network. Atmospheric emissions resulting from this process are nontoxic and capable of meeting currently specified health and environmental requirements. The amorphous material can be pulverized to yield a powder which evinces cementitious properties either by reaction with alkali solution or by blending it with other materia ls toproduce blended cements. The compressive strengths of the concretes made from the powder of the subject invention and blends thereof a re comparable to, or greater than the ASTM requirements for general purpose concrete applications. The powder of the subject invention, blended cements, and concrete/mortar derived therefrom also easily pass the EPA TCLP leach test to achieve environmental acceptability.< /SDOAB>