Current progresses in the analysis, treatment and resource utilization of industrial waste salt in China: A comprehensive review

Industrial waste salt is a complex hazardous solid waste generated in the process of near zero liquid discharge (ZLD) of industrial wastewater. Proper treatment of industrial waste salt is crucial to prevent environmental damage and resource wastage. The primary challenge in treating industrial waste salts lies in the presence of organic contaminants. A comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical properties and environmental behavior of these organic contaminants is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. This study provides a thorough review of recent advances in industrial waste salts, including their sources, properties, characterization methods and treatment technologies. Specifically, the up-to-date spectroscopic/mass spectrometric techniques for characterizing organic contaminants in waste salts and commonly used thermal treatment techniques are highlighted. Furthermore, the drawbacks and challenges associated with current methods for characterizing and treating industrial waste salts are examined. The study also addresses the existing bottlenecks in the resource recovery of industrial waste salts and offers future perspectives for the development of characterization and treatment approaches.