Solidification/Stabilization of Phenolic Waste Using Organic-Clay Complex

Abstract

The solidification/stabilization (S/S) process is applicable to soil contaminated by metals and other inorganics. However, this process is not currently viewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as applicable for remediation of soils contaminated solely with volatile organic compounds, because these organic compounds have been shown to have a detrimental effect on the macrostructural properties of ordinary portland cement (OPC) and could be released during the mixing and curing process. The aim of the present study is mainly to investigate the feasibility of using quaternary ammonium-modified clays (organophilic clays) to stabilize organics (phenol, 2-chlorophenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol) in contaminated soils prior to conventional cement-based solidification. The effectiveness of the S/S process, using organophilic clays, was evaluated, based on experimental findings from batch sorption, leachability of hazardous constituents, unconfined compressive strength, and permeability tests. Results from these experimental tests indicate that the use of organophilic clay as a presolidification adsorbent gives a successful S/S process in the treatment of phenol-contaminated soils.