JP Journal of Solids and Structures
Volume 6, Issue 1, Pages 27 - 35
(March 2012)
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MIGRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENT, AND THE MANAGEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE
Emmanuel B. Yamb and Christian A. Bock Hyeng
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Abstract: Industrial wastes produced from civil engineering projects can have severe environmental impacts. Included in such wastes are heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), which may have to be disposed of after demolition. However, the disposal of heavy metals at landfills could lead to the migration of metal ions into the surrounding soils in the form of insoluble hydroxides such as chromium hydroxides, aluminum hydroxide, and iron hydroxides, thereby posing a health risk. Consequently, it is of uttermost importance for heavy metals to be reused in civil construction in order to reduce the volume that could be brought to landfills or disposal sites. This paper uses analytical concepts to study the ecological and environmental impacts of heavy metal disposal at landfills, and how their reuse could significantly address the issue of metal leachate into the soil as well as the reduction of its impact on global warming and the environment in general. These heavy metals have been extensively studied, and their effects on the environment and on human health are regularly reviewed by international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), with more emphasis on proper disposal of these materials rather than their reuse. |
Keywords and phrases: heavy metals, industrial waste, environment, hydroxides, management of industrial waste. |
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