ABSTRACT
Immobilization and stabilization are used as general terms to describe techniques whereby hazardous wastes are placed in a form suitable for long term disposal. Fixation is sometimes used to mean much the same thing. Stabilization may include chemical reactions that produce products that are less volatile, soluble, and reactive. Solidification may involve several measures, including chemical reaction of the waste with the solidification agent, mechanical isolation in a protective binding matrix, or a combination of chemical and physical processes. The success of solidification with Portland cement strongly depends upon whether or not the waste adversely affects the strength and stability of the concrete product. A more sophisticated approach to encapsulation is to form polymeric resins from monomeric substances in the presence of the waste. Heating of wastes in situ can be used to remove or destroy some kinds of hazardous substances. Leachate consists of water that has become contaminated by wastes as it passed through a waste disposal site.
