Improvement of the hydrophysical properties of substrates of technogenic landscapes using expanded vermiculite

A study of the hydrophysical properties of substrates of technogenic landscapes, an assessment of the prospects of using thermoactivated vermiculite as an ameliorant was carried out. Contaminated areas are characterized by the absence of vegetation and a low probability of initiating the process of soil formation without direct intervention. Thermally activated vermiculite has been proposed as an ameliorant to improve the quality of soil and reduce the geochemical mobility of metals. The proposed materials have water-retaining properties, high sorption activity with respect to a number of metals, developed specific surface area and availability in sufficient quantities. The use of local mining enterprises as remediators of waste makes it possible to increase the profitability of developments and helps to reduce the volume of accumulated waste. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.