Designing of Cement-Based Formula for Solidification/Stabilization of Hazardous, Radioactive, and Mixed Wastes

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) is often used to treat waste or to remediate contaminated sites. Many people feel S/S is just a process to consolidate waste into a solid product for disposal using cementing materials. This article describes designing a cement-based formula for solidification/stabilization of wastes or contaminated soils from aspects of both the cement chemistry and the environmental chemistry. The discussion includes the following key points: (1) compatibility between cement and waste materials; (2) chemical fixation of contaminants; (3) physical encapsulation of contaminated waste and soils; (4) durability of the treated waste or soil; (5) leachability of contaminants from the treated waste or soil; and (6) cost-effectiveness of S/S.