Red Mud: Production, Composition and Impact

Red mud is a waste material derived as residual from the Bayer process by the caustic digestion of crushed bauxite at elevated temperature. It is chemically characterized by the presence of Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Ti as well as an array of minor constituents such as Na, K, Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb. Red Mud: Production, Composition and Impact begins by giving a brief review of laboratories, in situ and remote sensing techniques applied to characterize the RM waste materials focusing on both standard and novel methods. Next, the authors deal with composite materials based on different kind of polymers and red mud, and attempts to summarize the literature about these kind of materials. A great deal of attention is also paid to the possible applications of these new alternatives to classical materials. The main characteristics of several red muds from own studies and the scientific literature are described, and relevant examples of chemical composition variability of red muds emphasize the variability in chemical and mineralogical composition of red muds. This compilation systematically presents the updated scientific literature data regarding the applications of red mud waste in environmental protection. The authors present aspects related to red mud composition and the types of treatments applied to red mud to enhance its adsorption or catalytic performances. The performance of red mud-adsorbents in the removal of inorganic anions, heavy metals and organic compounds from wastewaters, and gaseous effluents is also discussed. The final chapter reviews the existing technological solutions to valorize the red mud in order to develop other engineering activities. The aim is to provide information on the enormous bauxite and alumina industry in Guinea and to appeal for a global approach to tackle the management of red mud; to assist in economic and technical planning of the issue by scientists, industry-leaders, high level policy makers.