Technical feasibility analysis of using phosphogypsum, bentonite and lateritic soil mixtures in hydraulic barriers

Abstract

Every year, millions of tons of phosphogypsum, a by-product of the fertilizer industry, are produced worldwide. As just a small part of this amount is reused, this study analyzed a new alternative to reuse this material in geotechnical works, in mixtures with lateritic soil and bentonite for the construction of liners for sanitary landfills. Four compositions were tested: 100% soil, 10% phosphogypsum + 90% soil, 10% phosphogypsum + 3% bentonite + 87% soil and 10% phosphogypsum + 6% bentonite + 84% soil. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the mineralogy, while the hydromechanical performance was evaluated through compaction, hydraulic conductivity, and unconfined compressive tests. Modified free swell tests and modified Atterberg limits were used to test compatibility with NaCl, NaOH and ethanol. A solubilization test was carried out to investigate the presence of inorganic contaminants in the phosphogypsum. The addition of phosphogypsum increased the optimum water content in the compaction curves, did not change the hydraulic conductivity and decreased the unconfined compressive strength of the mixtures. The addition of bentonite increased the optimum water content, reduced the hydraulic conductivity, and increased the unconfined compressive strength. The possibility of dissolution of gypsite (main component of phosphogypsum), the problems that may arise from the interaction with chemical products, and the risk of manganese release in the subsoil lead to the conclusion that phosphogypsum is not suitable to be used in liners. However, soil-bentonite-phosphogypsum mixtures were considered eligible materials to be used in impermeable layers of other geotechnical works.