{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Microwave-assisted acid treatment for the mineral transformation of chrysotile as an alternative for asbestos waste management.
{Author}: Essih S;Pardo L;Cecilia JA;Dos Santos-Gómez L;Colodrero RMP;Pozo M;Calero G;Franco F;
{Journal}: Environ Geochem Health
{Volume}: 46
{Issue}: 9
{Year}: 2024 Jul 18
{Factor}: 4.898
{DOI}: 10.1007/s10653-024-01993-6
{Abstract}: In this work, the effect of microwave-assisted acid treatments on the morphological and crystallochemical characteristics of chrysotile fibers is investigated. A low concentration of nitric acid (0.2 N) is used to remove Mg2+-species located in the octahedral sheet of its structure, thereby causing a crystallo-chemical change forming a skeleton of non-crystalline amorphous silica. This skeleton maintains an elongated morphology but characterized by rounded -not sharp-edges and porous surfaces whose physical resistance under stress is reduced when compared with the initial fibers of chrysotile, favoring a lower pathogenicity of the fibers. Thus, microwave-assisted acid treatment rise as a low-cost, fast and effective option in avoiding the dangerousness associated with asbestos waste management.