SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1984
STP30276S

Assessment of Environmental Impacts Associated with Phosphogypsum in Florida

Source

In its role to provide technology to prevent or limit adverse environmental impacts associated with mining or minerals processing, the U. S. Bureau of Mines has conducted research at its Tuscaloosa Research Center to assess the environmental impacts of phosphogypsum produced by the Florida phosphate industry. Over the years, stockpiles containing 304 million metric tons of phosphogypsum have accumulated, and the industry continues to generate an additional 30 million metric tons a year. Samples from approximately 300 m of drill core, obtained from nine stockpiles were characterized using chemical, X-ray diffraction, emission spectrographic, radiological, and physical means. The data developed indicated that phosphogypsum is not a corrosive or toxic hazardous waste as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria. Radium analyses averaged 21 pCi/g and its content was inversely related to particle sizes. Thirty-nine elements were detected in phosphogypsum; concentrations of these elements did not vary with depth within the stockpiles.

Author Information

May, A
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Tuscaloosa Research Center, AL
Sweeney, JW
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Tuscaloosa Research Center, AL
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: C11
Pages: 116–139
DOI: 10.1520/STP30276S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4918-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0219-4