Characterization of red mud and its effects on environment due to its traditional methods of disposal

Abstract

Red mud is a by product produced in the process of extraction of alumina from bauxite. The process is called Bayers Process. It is an insoluble product and is generated after bauxite digestion with sodium hydroxide at elevated temperature and pressure is known as red mud. Large quantity of red mud is generated worldwide every year posing a very serious and alarming environmental problem.This paper describes the production and characterization of red mud in view of World and Indian context. It reviews comprehensively the disposal and neutralization methods of red mud and gives the detailed assessment of the work carried until now for the utilization of red mud, pollution control, metal recovery, coagulant, adsorbent, catalyst and in soil remediation. It also reviews the work carried out for rehabilitation of red mud ponds. This paper is an effort to analyze pollution and ecological considerations in the context of environmental concerns for disposal and utilization of red mud.