Progress of Solid Waste Red Mud in the Field of Ecology and Environment

Abstract

Red mud is a red, slurry-like waste produced by the alumina industry. The expansion of the alumina sector has significantly increased red mud production in recent years. Owing to its complex composition and high alkalinity, red mud poses serious risks of environmental degradation and causes resource wastage if left unmanaged. The comprehensive utilization of red mud remains minimal, with its primary applications limited to building materials, metal recovery, and ecological projects. This paper examines the mineral composition and physicochemical properties of red mud while briefly addressing its associated environmental risks. The ecological and environmental applications of red mud are reviewed, with particular emphasis on soil remediation, catalyst synthesis, and the development of red mud-based adsorbents. After providing a thorough overview of the previous research, we address these issues with respect to the use of red mud in environmental applications. Finally, the future direction of research related to red mud is envisioned.