Research progress in the utilization of red mud-based materials in wastewater treatment

Red mud (RM) is a highly alkaline solid waste generated during alumina production. With the rapid development of the alumina industry, RM production has increased dramatically, reaching a rate of 120–150 million tons annually. This substantial production leads to several issues, including the occupation of extensive land areas and the necessity for costly maintenance. Furthermore, it may cause pollution and harm to the surrounding ecological environment. Therefore, RM needs to be treated and recycled in an environmentally friendly way. Utilizing RM as an environmental remediation material effectively leverages RM resources. Red mud environmental remediation materials (RM-ERMs) are usually prepared by activating RM and synergistically using RM with other components. RM-ERMs are generally applied in three areas of environmental pollution control: wastewater purification, exhaust gas purification, and soil remediation. The use of RM-ERMs has been proven to be a promising strategy that not only removes various types of waste from the environment but also enables the effective use of bulk solid waste RM, achieving the purpose of treating waste with waste. Furthermore, exploring the current limitations of RM as an environmental remediation material provides valuable insights and suggestions for future research endeavors in this area.