Trends in research on characterization, treatment and valorization of hazardous red mud: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#aluminum-oxide #environmental-pollution #metals #iron #aluminum

Trends in research on characterization, treatment and valorization of hazardous red mud: A systematic review

Niu et al., 2024 | J Environ Manage | Meta Analysis

Citation

Niu Anyi, Lin Chuxia. Trends in research on characterization, treatment and valorization of hazardous red mud: A systematic review. J Environ Manage. 2024-Feb;351:119660. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119660

Abstract

Meta-analysis of red mud-related literature in English published from 1976 to 2022 and in Chinese from 1990 to 2022 was performed to support critical analysis and evaluation of the available literature based on the following aspects of red mud research: (a) characterization, (b) treatment for harmfulness minimization, (c) recovery of valuable metals, (d) environmental applications, and (e) uses as construction materials. It was found that (a) sinter red mud tended to contain more silica and calcium, and less iron, sodium and aluminium compared to Bayer red mud; (b) gypsum was the most frequently used agent for harmfulness reduction treatment of red mud, followed by flue gas/CO2; (c) the mean optimal pH for adsorption of major anionic pollutants was 8.42 ± 1.13 (arsenite), 3.73 ± 0.68 (arsenate), 3.50 ± 2.38 (phosphate), 4.43 ± 1.04 (fluoride) and 3.80 ± 1.54 (chromate); (d) wastewater treatment has attracted more attention compared to contaminated soils and waste gases; (e) recovery of iron and scandium has attracted more attention compared to other metals; (f) cement making has been the focus in construction uses. Most of the research findings were based on laboratory-scale experiments that focused on efficacy rather than efficiency. There was a lack of integrated approaches for research in red mud valorization.

Key Findings

There was a lack of integrated approaches for research in red mud valorization.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aluminum Oxide
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Metals
  • Iron
  • Aluminum

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, Journal Article
  • Vertical: iron

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09