A Review of Traditional and Intensified Hydrometallurgy Techniques to Remove Chromium and Vanadium from Solid Industrial Waste
Aya Saidi, Rebecca El Khawaja, Daria C. Boffito
Abstract
The continuous growth of industrial activities, driven by economic expansion and technological advancements, has increased industrial waste generation. These wastes often contain hazardous substances, including heavy metals. Their improper disposal has become a significant environmental and health concern, necessitating global attention. To address this issue and mitigate the scarcity and cost of raw materials, recycling waste materials has emerged as a viable solution, particularly in the synthesis of construction materials. Various methods, such as pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques, have been established for recycling industrial waste. This Review focuses on hydrometallurgical techniques, specifically targeting the separation of two highly toxic heavy metals: chromium and vanadium. It comprehensively explores various hydrometallurgical methods, including acid, alkaline, organic, and oxidative leaching, for solid waste materials. Additionally, this Review highlights several intensified leaching processes assisted by electrical fields, supercritical fluids, plasma, microwaves, and ultrasound. The presented methods offer promising approaches to effectively manage industrial waste.