Antonello Serci

Heavy metal immobilization in the mining-contaminated soils using various industrial wastes☆

The remediation of contaminated sites, legacies of past industrial activities, requires more or less complex and costly measures depending on the nature and extent of contamination, the environmental protection legislation currently in force, the anticipated future use and the commercial value of the land. Remedial action involves implementing techniques capable of removing or containing the contaminants to prevent them from migrating to surrounding areas. Here we explore the possibility of using red muds, bauxite ore processing waste, and/or fly ash produced by coal fired power stations for immobilizing the heavy metals contained in severely contaminated soils. The results of laboratory column leaching demonstrate that relatively small additions of fly ash or red muds, or a combination of the two, to the contaminated soils drastically reduces the heavy metal content in the effluent.

Experimental study on triboelectric charging of mineral particles

Abstract The relevant aspects of tribocharging as a mineral processing technique are dealt with in the paper. The experimental set up and the instrumentation used in the basic research are described in detail. Charging results are represented as a function of mineral-related properties, rubbing surface characteristics and experimental conditions. Results so far achieved are discussed with the aim of developing a suitable model for interpreting tribocharging phenomena.

Electrostatic K-Feldspar/Na-Feldspar and Feldspar/Quartz Separation: Influence of Feldspar Composition

This article aims at contributing to the possibility of electrically separating K-feldspar/Na-feldspar and quartz/feldspar, investigating the behavior of mixtures composed of K-feldspar, Na-feldspar, and quartz concentrates. The findings highlight the importance of preheating the material and of interparticle contact. Tests conducted on binary mixtures of K-feldspar/Na-feldspar, K-feldspar/quartz, and Na-feldspar/quartz showed that it is possible to achieve satisfactory results in the separation of these species, by triboelectrical charging of the material, preheated to temperatures above 100°C, using a free fall chamber. Tests carried out on ternary mixtures have demonstrated that additional pretreatment with HF solutions improves the results.

Preliminary results of the life+ project: CO-ordinated approach for sediment treatment and beneficial reuse in small harbours networks

a ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research). Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60 00144 Rome (Italy) b Università di Cagliari – Dipartimento di Geoingegneria e Tecnologie Ambientali. Piazza d’Armi, 1 – 09123 Cagliari (Italy) c ARPA Emilia Romagna (Agenzia Regionale Prevenzione e Ambiente). Largo Caduti del Lavoro, 6 40121 Bologna (Italy) d CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) – Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria. Piazza d’Armi, 19 – 09123 Cagliari (Italy) e Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” – Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Edile ed Ambientale. Via Eudossiana, 18 – 00184 Rome (Italy) raffaella.pomi@uniroma1.it

Beneficiation of low grade feldspar ores for the ceramics industry

Abstract The decline in the production of single fired ceramic tiles has made it difficult to find a market for the poorer quality feldspars. Producers are thus faced with the problem of improving the quality of their products also with a view to increasing profit margins. In this context, the paper addresses the problems involved in enhancing the value of some raw materials currently sold to the less profitable markets or considered as waste material. Three different cases have been examined and the results of experimental studies have demonstrated the feasibility of applying basic mineral processing techniques such as magnetic separation, surface attrition and selective flotation for obtaining concentrates with high added value and as such more readily marketable. The processing flow sheets, usually a combination of the above techniques, become more complex and more expensive, the higher the quality desired of the final product.