The structure of hazardous industrial wastes

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the structure of wastes from non-ferrous metals. Wastes from the production of metals were selected namely waste from the production of aluminum - red mud and the waste from the production of nickel - black nickel mud. Morphology of samples was documented by scanning electron microscope, phase analysis using diffraction techniques and the content of elements was determined by EDX analysis. The influence of pre-treatment of these wastes on the structure was also investigated. Activation of red mud and black nickel mud has increased the size of their specific surface area, which may have the positive influence of adsorption or catalysis. The pre-treatment of wastes has changed the surface properties mainly electrostatic, hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Activation creates a new surface structure and thus affects its properties. Activation has created a new surface structure. EDX analysis of the samples confirmed the higher percentage content of Fe and Al.