Corrosive Containing Wastes

A guide to the identification and treatment of wastes that contain corrosive materials. Includes neutralization technologies, technologies for recovery and reuse, and considerations for choosing the correct system for specific situations. From the Foreword Treatment technologies for corrosive-containing wastes are described in this book, which will be a comprehensive source of information for those involved in the evaluation of available waste management options. Corrosive acids and alkalis are widely used by all segments of American industry and result in the generation of approximately 40% of all Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)-regulated hazardous wastes. Improper management of these wastes can result in altered pH of surface waters to the detriment of aquatic organisms. Land disposal of these wastes can also lead to the solubilization of toxic (e.g., heavy metal) constituents of codisposed waters, thereby enhancing the potential for their transport into the environment. To combat the potential negative effects associated with current disposal practices, the 1984 RCRA Amendments directed EPA to ban corrosive wastes from land disposal to the extent required to protect human health and the environment. . . . All potentially viable technologies for treating corrosive-containing wastes are identified and discussed in the book; however, emphasis is placed on proven technologies. Each of the technologies is described in terms of actual performance in removing constituents of concern, associated process residuals and emissions, and those restrictive waste characteristics impacting the ability of a particular technology to effectively treat the wastes under consideration. Cost and capacity data are also provided to help assess the applicability of the technologies to specific waste streams.