The chemical composition of the waste sample was determined by using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX 700;
Shimadzu). The loss on ignition (LOI) was determined according to LOI ¼ (Wd Wc)/Wd 100, where Wd is the weight of the dry sample at 110 C, and Wc is the weight of the calcined sample at 1000 C during 2 h. Mineralogical analysis was performed by X-ray diffraction using monochromatic Cu-Ka radiation at a scanning speed of 1.5 (2q) min1 in a conventional diffractometer (XRD e 7000; Shimadzu). The crystalline phases were identified by comparing the intensities and positions of the Bragg peaks with those listed in the JCPDS-ICDD cards. The morphology of the powder particles was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM SSX-550, Shimadzu).The particle size distribution was determined by a combination of sieving and sedimentation procedures, according to NBR 7181 (ABNT,1984). The plasticity of thewaste samplewas determined according to the Atterberg method. The content of organic matter has also been
determined in accordance with WalkleyeBlack method.