High-efficiency and low-carbon remediation of zinc contaminated sludge by magnesium oxysulfate cement.

Electroplating sludge is classified as a hazardous waste due to its extremely high leachability of potentially toxic elements. This study concerns the use of magnesium oxysulfate cement (MOSC) for the stabilisation/solidification (S/S) of Zn-rich electroplating sludge. According to X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses, Zn was mainly immobilised through both chemical interaction and physical encapsulation in the MOSC hydrates of 5Mg(OH)·MgSO.7HO (5-1-7) phase. The crystal size analysis, elemental mapping, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis proved that the Zn was also incorporated in the structure of 5-1-7 phase. Unlike Portland cement system, hydration kinetics, setting time, and compressive strength of the MOSC system were only negligibly modified by the presence of Zn, indicating its superior compatibility. Subsequent S/S experiments demonstrated that the MOSC binder exhibited an excellent performance on immobilisation efficiency of Zn (up to 99.9%), as well as satisfying the requirements of setting time and mechanical strength of sludge S/S products. Therefore, MOSC could be an effective and sustainable binder for the treatment of the Zn-rich industrial wastes.