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Red Mud in Liner Engineering: Opportunities for Waste Reuse and Environmental Protection — A Review
Abstract
Due to its large volume and hazardous components, red mud (RM), an extremely alkaline and iron-rich industrial waste produced by the Bayer process during the production of alumina, presents a significant environmental liability. However, because of its rich mineral composition, especially in FeO₃, AlO₃, and SiO₂, RM has become a viable low-cost amendment for engineered liners in environmental containment systems. Its purpose as an affordable barrier and adsorbent material for environmental remediation has garnered significant international attention in recent years. With an emphasis on their capacity to eliminate both organic and inorganic contaminants from contaminated environments, this review offers a thorough assessment of the adsorption properties of red mud amended liners. Results from field-scale pilot applications and laboratory-scale studies are compiled in the paper. The physicochemical characteristics and modification methods of red mud are examined in connection with its adsorption capacities for heavy metals (such as Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Cu²⁺), oxyanions (As⁵⁺, F⁻), and organics (dyes, pharmaceuticals). Isotherm and kinetic modeling are used to elaborate important mechanisms like ion exchange, ligand binding, and surface complexation. The review also highlights the environmental potential and drawbacks of red mud-based liners, including structural stability, regeneration difficulties, and long-term leaching risks. It concludes by pointing out areas that require more research and offering suggestions for future studies, such as multi-contaminant testing, reuse techniques, and standardization. All things considered, red mud amended liners provide a viable way to recover industrial waste and solve urgent geo environmental pollution problems.
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