Sorption performance of sandy clay soil using duraflex as a cement admixture against iron contamination

Mercedes J.; Flores G. · Geo-Congress 2026: Geoenvironmental Engineering, Sustainability, and Coastal Geotechnics - Selected papers from Geo-Congress 2026 (2026) · DOI: 10.1061/9780784486757.028

Resumen

This study explores the effectiveness of using Duraflex as a cement admixture in sandy clay soils to enhance iron contaminant sorption, addressing the environmental challenge posed by Mining Environmental Liabilities (PAM) in Peru. Batch sorption tests were conducted on three matrices: unmodified soil, soil with Portland cement (ASTM C150 Type I), and soil with cement plus Duraflex. The soil-cement-Duraflex matrix exhibited the highest sorption capacity (2.48 mg/g), significantly reducing final iron concentrations to comply with both Peruvian and US environmental standards. Compared to other low-cost remediation methods, such as lime stabilization or bentonite amendment, which typically achieve sorption capacities below 2.0 mg/g for heavy metals, the Duraflex-modified matrix demonstrates superior performance. The results indicate that in addition to surface adsorption, physical immobilization, and microstructural modifications play a critical role in enhancing contaminant retention. The findings suggest that this cost-effective, sustainable alternative is suitable for use in sorptive layer systems for soil remediation in mining-impacted areas.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte; Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología