Use of solidification/stabilization remediation technologies has increased over the past two decades; however, very little published data are available to verify the permanence and durability of landfilled treated wastes over time. Optical and electron microscopy (SEM, EPMA, and TEM) were used to evaluate micro-weathering features associated with metal-bearing contaminated soils and industrial wastes that have been solidified and stabilized with Portland cement and stored outdoors and above ground, archived in the laboratory, or buried on site. Although the extent of degradation after six years is considered slight to moderate, results of this study show that the same environmental concerns that affect the durability of concrete must be considered when evaluating the durability and permanence of the solidification and stabilization of waste with cement. In addition, such evaluations cannot be based on leaching and chemistry analyses alone. The use of all levels of microscopic analyses must be incorporated into studies of the long-term performance of solidification/stabilization technologies.
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