Binder systems for the stabilization/solidification of contaminated soils- a review

The contamination of soil or soil pollution is a serious worldwide problem emanating from a wide range of industrial activities and other processes including mining operations, various chemical industries leading in many cases to a mixture of contaminants in the soil. Contaminated soils are of concern as, depending on the concentration and speciation of the contaminants present, they may lead to damage human health, plants, wild life, property or ecological systems in total. Some contaminants may also cause a fire or explosion hazard or may be corrosive and damage building materials or services. In this context, comprehensive treatability study work would usually be needed in order to design the suitable binder(s) for the contaminated soil. The development of binders, which define the limits of operating variables that lead to acceptable performance, would be highly desirable in order to maximize the treatability study work and aid in developing a better understanding of the controlling parameters in stabilization treatments. Although there are many reviews on stabilization technology, very few have considered in depth binders thus single as well as binders of different combinations for the stabilization treatment of contaminated soils. Hence, this paper seeks to fill that gap in the literature by providing useful insight into some of the works done by previous researchers on binders to treat contaminated soils and helps to form a sound platform for further research on binders and additives to conventional stabilizers.