Journal Article

Innovative Solidification and Stabilization Techniques Using Industrial By-Products for Soil Remediation

Fraternali, Fernando, Acampora, Annamaria, Petrillo, Antonella, Farina, Ilenia, Colangelo, Francesco, Di Chiara, Giuseppina

2025

Overview

In recent decades, heavy industrial discharges have caused severe soil and groundwater pollution. Many areas previously occupied by industries are now represented by lands contaminated by the accumulation of toxic metals, which pose serious risks to human health, plants, animals, and surrounding ecosystems. Among the various potential solutions, the solidification and stabilization (S/S) technique represents one of the most effective technologies for treating and disposing of a wide range of contaminated wastes. This study focuses on the theoretical definition of a green material mix, which will subsequently be used in the solidification process of contaminated industrial soils, optimizing the mix to ensure treatment effectiveness. The mix design was developed through a literature analysis, representing a preliminary theoretical study. This paper explores the application of the S/S process using various additives, including Portland cement, fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and other industrial waste materials, to create an innovative mix design for the treatment of contaminated soils. The main objective is to reduce the permeability and solubility of contaminants while simultaneously improving the mechanical properties of the treated materials. The properties of the studied soils are described along with those of the green materials used, providing a comprehensive overview of the optimization of the resulting mixtures.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: applied industrial technologies / Belgium / Cement / Climate change / contaminated soils / green materials / Heavy metals / Italy / Massachusetts / Natural resources / Pollution / S/S process / Soil contamination / waste materials / Water pollution