Immobilization of uranium soils with alkali-activated coal gangue–based geopolymer

Uranium is a relatively active and chemically toxic natural radionuclide, its enrichment in the environment poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. It is necessary to dispose the uranium contaminated soil safely and efficiently. In this study, the effect of coal gangue-based geopolymers on the solidification of uranium-contaminated soil was examined using a single factor experiment. The highest compressive strength of the solidified body reached 24.6 MPa, and the highest fixation efficiency of uranium reached 77.44%. The results show that lower liquid-to-solid ratio, higher alkali activator content and lower alkali activator modulus promote the solidification of uranium.