In Situ Immobilization of Heavy Metals in Apatite Mineral Formulations

Abstract

Abstract : Adsorption isotherm experiments using varying amounts of different apatites and a 10:1 water to soil ratio were used in combination with a thermodynamic model to determine the amount of apatite necessary to treat a given soil. These experiments suggested that soils may be remediated by extrapolating from the isotherm experiments, which equates to 10-50 kg of apatite per treated ton of soil, or less than 1% by weight. By comparison, grouting techniques can require as much as 30% to 50% by weight, depending upon the porosity of the soil.