Approaches Regarding Red Mud Valorization for a Green Future and Sustainable Environment

Abstract

Today the red mud generated from alumina production is a resource, a material that can be valorized, an opportunity. The current practice in waste management in some parts of the planet has to be revised. We need to change technologies and become more aware and thoughtful on our footprint on Earth. Red mud is the main waste generated from the bauxite Bayer process. Having a complex composition with predominantly Al2O3 (14-27%), Fe2O3 (19-56%) contents, viable solutions were sought for the reuse of the red mud. A number of applications have resulted in the recovery of metallic components, chemical industry, and building materials industry. A field of red mud applicability, which has enabled the development of innovative and sustainable techniques, is that of the environment. The paper presents the results of the researches carried out in order to valorize the red mud in the treatment of two categories of wastewater: phosphates waters and mine waters. The influence of the experimental parameters on the pollutant removal efficiencies in these wastewaters is highlighted.

Case Study Regarding the Variation of the Qualitative Parameters of Wastewater

“…The elimination of phosphorus from wastewater is an environment necessity, as it stimulates the growth of aquatic plants and contributes to the eutrophication process in general [15]. Red mud proved to have positive influence on the removal of the phosphates from wastewater, to reduce the pollution potential [16].…”