A simultaneous stabilization and solidification of the top five most toxic heavy metals (Hg, Pb, As, Cr, and Cd)

A novel chemically bonded phosphate ceramic (CBPC) binder was developed for the simultaneous treatment of the top five most toxic heavy metals (Hg, Pb, As, Cr, and Cd). Various CBPC binders were synthesized and tested, and their toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) values were obtained. A magnesium/calcium-potassium phosphate ceramic binder with FeCl₂ (M/C-KP-FeCl₂) simultaneously stabilized multiple heavy metals. The TCLP value of the final product for industrial waste (IW) treatment using the M/C-KP-FeCl₂ technology was well below the Universal Treatment Standard (UTS). Additionally, the compressive strength of the final product was below the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Standard.