Evaluation of strategies for mitigating risks associated with metals in pyrite ash

The main objective was to evaluate and optimise strategies for the immobilisation or mobilisation of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn from pyrite ash. Alkaline amendments were used for the immobilisation test: cement, sandstone, marl, marble waste and calcareous crust. The amendments were mixed with pyrite ash at a 1:2 rate, incubated for 28 days, and leachates analysed at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and after 2, 7, 14 and 28 days. The mobilisation experiment tested metal release from pyrite ash by four concentrations of H2SO4 (0.25 M, 0.5 M, 1 M and 2 M) and contact times (60, 120, 180 and 240 min). Results for the immobilisation/mobilisation tests for Cr and Ni are not presented due to the low concentration in pyrite ash. In the immobilisation test, optimum results across metals and amendments were obtained after two days with percentages of retention being about 90% compared to leachates from pyrite ash only. The release success (in % of total content) using sulphuric acid followed the order: Cd (75%) > Zn (62%) > Cu (37%) > Pb (7%). The concentration of acid was more important than contact time (release enhanced at higher concentrations) except for Zn. The two strategies tested were successful to reduce the risk posed by metals. In terms of optimization, all alkaline materials showed high efficiency for metal retention after a short contact time; for mobilisation, treatment with sulphuric acid at high concentration (up to 2 M tested) resulted to be the optimum with contact time having limited influence. [Display omitted] •Pyrite ash poses high environmental risks.•Zinc, Cd, Pb and Cu represented the highest concern.•Alkaline amendments showed high efficiency for metal retention from pyrite ash.•Release success was Cd (75%) > Zn (62%) > Cu (37%) > Pb (7%).•Both techniques were successful under the study conditions.