Preparation of a newly synthesized biopolymer binder and its application to reduce the erosion of tailings.

A new type of binder was developed by grafting casein and β-glucan to investigate its effect on tailings erosion and plant growth. 6% casein and 2% β-glucan were recommended as the best ratio of the new biopolymer binder, which had the best effect on the soil utilization of iron tailings. The infrared analysis of the new binder demonstrated that casein and β-glucan reacted adequately as raw materials. The results of physichemical properties and loss prevention of iron tailings showed that the binder-treated soils demonstrated lower erodibility compared with untreated iron tailings. The particle size of the tailings was increased after the addition of the binder. In treated soil, the content of soil organic matter increased significantly, which provided sufficient nutrients for the plants growing. Compared with natural tailings without binder, plant height, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and enzyme activity (POD and SOD) were also significantly increased. This study overcame the current defects of biopolymer in soil improvement and provided an environmentally friendly method to prevent the loss of iron tailings and promote its soil utilization efficiency. [Display omitted] • Casein and β-glucan can be grafted to form environmental - friendly soil binder. • The physichemical properties of tailings with binder are improved obviously. • The problems of erosion of iron tailings can be solved after adding the binder. • The binder provides better soil conditions for plants, thus promoting the soil utilization of iron tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]