Characterization and pH Dependent Leaching Behavior of Tunisian Phosphogypsum

Authors

  • Raja Zmemla National Engineering School of Sfax, LaboratoryWater, Energy and Environment L3E, Route de Soukra Km4.5 BP W, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
  • Perrine Chaurand CEREGE, UMR 6635 CNRS Aix-Marseille University, 13545 Aix-En-Provence, France
  • Mounir Benjdidia National Engineering School of Sfax, LaboratoryWater, Energy and Environment L3E, Route de Soukra Km4.5 BP W, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
  • Boubaker Elleuch National Engineering School of Sfax, LaboratoryWater, Energy and Environment L3E, Route de Soukra Km4.5 BP W, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
  • Jean Yves Bottero CEREGE, UMR 6635 CNRS Aix-Marseille University, 13545 Aix-En-Provence, France

Keywords:

Phosphogypsum, Heavy metals, Leaching behavior, characterization, Batch leaching test.

Abstract

The current study aims to characterize and as well as to investigate the leaching behavior of Tunisian Phosphogypsum (PG). The results of the physical characterization studies showed that, as worldwide Phosphogypsum, the Tunisian PG behaves like fine silty sand with important initial water content. Relevant attention was given to the leaching behavior of the sample which was subjected to two leaching tests according EN 12457-2 (2002)  at liquid to solid ratios (L/S) of 10 and 100 as well as pH stat leaching test according to the CEN/TS 14997 (2006). The progressive release of major elements as well as the metals indicates high mobility of the most analysis elements. Calcium, sulfate and phosphorus were the major elements having the highest leaching concentrations. Broadly, mobility of trace metals in PG was classified into three degrees: elements with high mobility were Sr, Zn, those with moderate mobility were As, Ba, Cd and Cr and those with low mobility were Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Y and Zr. The highest concentrations of the most part of the metals were obtained from L/S 100. Based on the pH dependent leaching experiments, results show that the PG has a maximum susceptibility to leaching out metals when exposed to a strongly acidic condition (2-4). While, alkaline condition appears to be the most stable for the analyzed material. This paper offers a data base which is useful when later recycling actions are taken. Indeed, acidic conditions should be avoided in order to prevent metal leaching from PG. 

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Published

2016-09-08

How to Cite

Zmemla, R., Chaurand, P., Benjdidia, M., Elleuch, B., & Bottero, J. Y. (2016). Characterization and pH Dependent Leaching Behavior of Tunisian Phosphogypsum. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 24(1), 230–244. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/1805

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