Permeable Treatment Beds for Plating Sludge Disposal

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to summarize aspects of the permeable treatment bed concept for the containment of metals from a plating sludge when landfilled. Background information presented in the literature and an experimental proof‐of‐concept investigation are included. Laboratory experiments were performed under controlled conditions, using model reactors to simulate the leachability of a metal hydroxide sludge placed in a humid landfill environment. The effects of simulated natural and acid rains on the leachability of selected metals are considered. The results indicate the effectiveness of the concept to control the release of heavy metals from the sludge into ground water.