Abstract:
This study aimed to find the optimum conditions in the process for the
stabilization/solidification of chrome-tanning sludge by using cement and rice husk ash. In so
doing, it determined the best ratio for mixing cement, rice husk ash, and tannery sludge by
considering compressive strength, the leachability of chromium, and economic factors.
There were 16 sets of tests, with each differing with respect to the mixture ratio of rice husk
ash (RHA) to cement and that the ratio of tannery sludge to cement. These ratios were
assigned to be 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively. With each of these mixtures, the
specimens were cured for different periods, namely 1, 7, 14, and 28 days.
Tannery sludge was collected and analyzed for chromium content, which was
about 473 gCr./kg of dried sludge, while the leachability of chromium was about 197.5
mg/L compared with the disposal standard of 5 mg/L. The ratio of rice husk ash to cement
and tannery sludge to cement as well as curing time all affected compressive strength and
chromium leachability. Compressive strength increased as the curing time increased
(P-value<0.05). However, chromium leachability decreased as the curing time was
prolonged in all groups (P-value<0.05). Increasing the ratio of tannery sludge led to lower
compressive strength and higher chromium leachability. In contrast, increasing the ratio of
rice husk ash resulted in significantly lower compressive strength and chromium leachability
(P-value<0.05).
The optimum conditions in the process of stabilizing chrome-tanning sludge was at
the mixture ratio (cement : rice husk ash : sludge) of 1 : 0.5 : 1 with the curing time of 28
days. The water requirement for mixing was about 280 liter per 1000 kg dried sludge, and
the cost of the treatment was 3,150 Baht/ton dried sludge.
It is concluded that the applicability of solidified sludge for use as construction
material is needed feasible by creating a contour diagram of compressive strength and
leachability of chromium or by using a mathematical model that can be applied for mixtures
of all ratios. The regression model with an RHA constant of 25% is summarized as follows:
Compressive strength (ksc) = 295.634+{3.185 x curing time}- {37.187 x ratio}, R2 = 0.852
Leachability of Cr. (mg/L) = 4.023-{0.162 x curing time}+{0.281 x ratio}, R2 = 0.845