Rachid Hakkou
Université Cadi Ayyad, Sciences chimiques, Department Member
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Abstract Developing efficient inhibitors based on eco-friendly compounds for steel protection is crucially important. Here the synthesis and characterization of a new hybrid inhibitor based on intercalation of 6-aminohexanoic acid (6-AHA)... more
Abstract Developing efficient inhibitors based on eco-friendly compounds for steel protection is crucially important. Here the synthesis and characterization of a new hybrid inhibitor based on intercalation of 6-aminohexanoic acid (6-AHA) in layered aluminum tri-polyphosphate (ATP) are reported. ATP and the inorganic-organic hybrid inhibitor system ATP-6-AHA are characterized by XRD, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), SEM, IR and Raman spectroscopy. The interlayer space of ATP is expanded by 10.1 A, with 6-AHA planes arranged in bilayers. Corrosion efficiency of ATP-6-AHA was evaluated in 0.1 M and 3.5 % NaCl using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and showed a significantly reduced corrosion for steel S235.
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Phosphate mining generates large quantities of waste rock and sludge annually, resulting in significant environmental issues. The large areas of mine sites used to store these wastes limit the availability of usable and agricultural land,... more
Phosphate mining generates large quantities of waste rock and sludge annually, resulting in significant environmental issues. The large areas of mine sites used to store these wastes limit the availability of usable and agricultural land, alter the topography of the land, and degrade the landscape’s aesthetics. In this study, the acid activation of phosphate by-products to enhance their reactivity and suitability for the development of geopolymer-based thermal insulation materials was investigated. Four formulations of geopolymers were developed using varying ratios of calcined clay by-product and metakaolin as aluminosilicate sources. The activation of precursors was accomplished using a 5M concentration of phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Several analytical techniques, including mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), were carried out to characterize both the raw clays...
Research Interests: Minerals()
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Jerada coal mine is located in north east of Morocco, and closed in late 2001.Today the quantity stored is about 15 to 20 million tonnes. These releases contain significant levels of accompanying elements or secondary minerals such as... more
Jerada coal mine is located in north east of Morocco, and closed in late 2001.Today the quantity stored is about 15 to 20 million tonnes. These releases contain significant levels of accompanying elements or secondary minerals such as iron sulfides (pyrite) and their oxidation products.Monitor the groundwater quality was developed in the region in order to assess the quality of these waters and to estimate the risk of contamination. The study focused on 35 wells spread to cover almost all of the study area.Two main sampling campaigns were conducted, the first one in October 2010, the second in July 2011.The pH of the different measuring points is generally between 6 and alkaline tending 8 show groundwater level in the region.The results obtained by ion chromatography show an average sulphate concentration of about 700mg/l.These concentrations are much higher in the wet season than the dry season. The average nitrate levels are in the range of 300mg/l while those chlorides are of the...
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A field study was conducted at the Kettara mine site located in arid climatic conditions in Morocco. The goal was to assess the performance of an inclined store-and-release (SR) cover made with phosphate mine wastes to reduce water... more
A field study was conducted at the Kettara mine site located in arid climatic conditions in Morocco. The goal was to assess the performance of an inclined store-and-release (SR) cover made with phosphate mine wastes to reduce water infiltration and control acid mine drainage (AMD). The SR cover was constructed using phosphate mine wastes (0.8 m) placed over a capillary break layer (CBL) made of coarse-grained materials. The SR cover had a slope inclination of 14.5°. The cover performance was monitored for a period of 1 year under natural and artificial conditions representing important rainfall events for the climatic conditions at the Kettara mine site. Performance was monitored using volumetric lysimeters, suction sensors, and volumetric water content sensors installed at four stations and at different depths. Under natural climatic conditions, the inclined SR cover limited water percolation by diverting and releasing water to the atmosphere through evaporation. However, the cover...
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LiCo2/3Ni1/6Mn1/6O2 layered oxide was synthesized by the combustion method that led to a crystalline phase with good homogeneity and low particles size. The structural properties of the prepared positive electrode material were... more
LiCo2/3Ni1/6Mn1/6O2 layered oxide was synthesized by the combustion method that led to a crystalline phase with good homogeneity and low particles size. The structural properties of the prepared positive electrode material were investigated by performing XRD Rietveld refinement. Practically no Li/Ni mixing was detected evidencing that the studied compound adopts almost an ideal α-NaFeO2 type structure. The Li||LiCo2/3Ni1/6Mn1/6O2 cell showed
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Semi-empirical modelling of iron oxide pollution in the soil using geochemical analyses and spectroradiometric measurements, Proceedings of the Closing Workshop of the IGCP/SIDA: Addressing Environmental and Health Impacts of Active and Abandoned Minesin Sub-Saharan Africa. Edited by Bohdan KŘÍBE...more
Valorisation des rejets miniers du district pb-zn de Touissit-boubker (région orientale-maroc) 15 Introduction
ABSTRACT The reuse of some industrial by-products in the construction industry saves natural resources and energy, while at the same time reduces environmental problems related to their surface disposal. Mine tailings are currently among... more
ABSTRACT The reuse of some industrial by-products in the construction industry saves natural resources and energy, while at the same time reduces environmental problems related to their surface disposal. Mine tailings are currently among the largest industrial by-products in the world, and yet, only limited studies have been conducted to evaluate their reuse potential. Moreover, abandoned base-metal tailings are increasingly used in some developing countries for the manufacture of mortars without any control, engineering basis or environmental concern. In this study, an experimental program using mechanical tests, mineralogical investigations and leaching tests is presented to assess the use of low sulfide base-metal tailings, with varying properties, as fine aggregates for rendering and masonry mortars. An authentic case study illustrating their use in Moroccan construction is additionally presented. Overall, it was observed that the main properties affecting the performances of these tailings-based mortars are the residual Pb-Zn concentrations and the fine content of each tailing. The Pb-Zn fraction, when using the appropriate substitution level, may serve as an active set retardant improving mortars setting time. The leaching of metals was also successfully stabilized in mortars.
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A field investigation was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of store-and-release (SR) covers made with different phosphate mine wastes in reducing water infiltration (system inclination and surface runoff were neglected) and... more
A field investigation was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of store-and-release (SR) covers made with different phosphate mine wastes in reducing water infiltration (system inclination and surface runoff were neglected) and controlling acid rock drainage (ARD) generation. Four instrumented experimental cells were constructed with different SR layer configurations (two thicknesses and three materials) placed over a capillary break layer. To assess the hydrogeological behaviour of these cover systems, volumetric water content, matric suction, and meteorological monitoring time trends were studied for a period of 1.5 years under actual and extreme conditions typical of an arid climate. Under natural climatic conditions, all net infiltration was released to the atmosphere by the physical process of evaporation (regardless of SR layer thickness and type). Although high surface matric suction (>3000 kPa) decreased the evaporation rate (or release capacity) during the drying peri...
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LiCo2/3Ni1/6Mn1/6O2 layered oxide was synthesized by the combustion method that led to a crystalline phase with good homogeneity and low particles size. The structural properties of the prepared positive electrode material were... more
LiCo2/3Ni1/6Mn1/6O2 layered oxide was synthesized by the combustion method that led to a crystalline phase with good homogeneity and low particles size. The structural properties of the prepared positive electrode material were investigated by performing XRD Rietveld refinement. Practically no Li/Ni mixing was detected evidencing that the studied compound adopts almost an ideal α-NaFeO2 type structure. The Li||LiCo2/3Ni1/6Mn1/6O2 cell showed
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Mining activities have significant impacts on the environment, particularly in terms of the destruction of natural habitats, biodiversity loss. With the increasing awareness of the importance of ecological restoration and conservation,... more
Mining activities have significant impacts on the environment, particularly in terms of the destruction of natural habitats, biodiversity loss. With the increasing awareness of the importance of ecological restoration and conservation, there is a growing need to study and understand the flora that thrives in mining sites for successful reclamation efforts. This study aimed to investigate the floristic composition and plant diversity of four phosphate mine sites (PMSs) in Morocco, namely Bou Craa mine (BCM), Ben Guerir mine (BGM), Youssoufia mine (YSM), and Khouribga mine (KHM). The study found a total of 215 vascular plant species from 166 genera and 49 taxonomic families across the four sites. BGM was the most diverse site with 120 plant species, followed by KHM with 75, YSM with 57, and BCM with 54. Compositae family species were the most common at BGM and KHM, while Amaranthaceae species were dominant at BCM, and Poaceae and Compositae at YSM. Therophytes (annual species) were th...
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The production of acid mine drainage (AMD) is considered as a serious problem for the mining industry. The oxidation of sulphide minerals causes the production of sulfuric acid resulting in a decrease in pH. This decrease causes the... more
The production of acid mine drainage (AMD) is considered as a serious problem for the mining industry. The oxidation of sulphide minerals causes the production of sulfuric acid resulting in a decrease in pH. This decrease causes the mobilization of metals; these very high concentrations may be a threat to the receiving environment. Abandoned Kettara Mine (Central Jebilet, Morocco), that has been chosen as a pilot site contains 3Mt of the residues that generate acidic leachates with a pH between 2.9 and 1.5 (Nfissi et al., 2011). The acidification potential (AP) of that is between 51 and 453kg CaCO3/t while that the net of neutralization potential (NNP) ranges from -453 to -22.5 Kg CaCO3/t (Hakkou et al., 2008a). In order to control the AMD in this mine, we opted a protocol based on the use of cement kiln dust (CKD) from the Lafarge cement of Bouskoura (Region of Casablanca) and fly ashes (FA) of the thermal power plant of Jorf Lasfar at El Jadida city (Coastal city 90km south-west f...
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Fired bricks have shown tremendous potential as a construction material due to their properties. However, their use required some specifications in terms of quality, resistance, and durability. In developing countries, the lack of tools... more
Fired bricks have shown tremendous potential as a construction material due to their properties. However, their use required some specifications in terms of quality, resistance, and durability. In developing countries, the lack of tools to make test specimens leads to many defects in these brick specimens responsible for low durability and weak precision during mechanical tests and shrinkage. In this study, a simple and traditional method of making test bricks is presented. This simple method allows the production of bricks with the required properties. This method is especially efficient for semi-soft consistency pastes. The elaborated handmade pastes present a very different particle-size distribution < 2 mm (clay: 18-66%; silt: 12-53%; sand: 5-65%). The pastes do not stick to the walls of the mould like in the case of steel moulds, and it gives specimens with standard shape, smooth surface, and sharp edges. The resulting fired bricks exhibit high mechanical strength (up to 102...
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When mines close, the health and environmental risks of mine waste depends on their acid generating potential. Abandoned mines containing reactive tailings are especially problematic. The project team investigates new technologies for the... more
When mines close, the health and environmental risks of mine waste depends on their acid generating potential. Abandoned mines containing reactive tailings are especially problematic. The project team investigates new technologies for the recycling and valorization of non-polluting mine wastes. In terms of training, Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco and Université du Québec en Abitibi en Témiscamingue (UQAT) collaborate to create high-quality training opportunities in the field of mining environment research. A significant outcome is the restoration of the abandoned Kettara mine site, which had been leaching heavy metals into the soil and water table for decades
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Research Interests: Elsevier()
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The abandoned Kettara pyrrhotite mine (Marrakech region, Morocco) is a real source of acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metal pollution from previous mining operations—which has spread, particularly because of wind erosion. A... more
The abandoned Kettara pyrrhotite mine (Marrakech region, Morocco) is a real source of acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metal pollution from previous mining operations—which has spread, particularly because of wind erosion. A store-and-release cover system made of phosphate wastes was built on the site for preventing AMD. To ensure the integrity of this cover and its durability, it is desirable to revegetate it (phytostabilization) with plants adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region. In this paper, a study was carried out on the spontaneous vegetation around the phosphate cover in order to consider the selection of plants to promote the stabilization of the Kettara mine tailings pond. Nine species of native plants with their rhizospheric soils growing in agricultural soils and tailings from the Kettara mine were collected, and metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr) were analyzed. The soil analysis showed that the tailings contained high concentrations of Cu (177.64 ...
Research Interests: Plants()
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This review summarizes the major research and scientific findings on the relevance of using calcined marl as supplementary cementitious material in developing eco-friendly cement for the next generation. Incorporation of calcined marl... more
This review summarizes the major research and scientific findings on the relevance of using calcined marl as supplementary cementitious material in developing eco-friendly cement for the next generation. Incorporation of calcined marl into cement can result in changes in the properties of these binders, and thus compatibility with other additions could be potential challenging, particularly at higher replacement ratios. From the reviewed literature, a detailed investigation on the characterization of calcined marls, activation methods, influencing parameters, along with studies on the hydration and microstructure was discussed, the overall objective aimed at coming up with the optimal physical and chemical parameters to generate highly reactive marl.
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Abstract In sedimentary phosphates mining operations, clayey layers are removed as mine wastes. The main objective of this paper was to investigate the feasibility to valorize these mine wastes as Lightweight aggregates (LWAs) by mixing... more
Abstract In sedimentary phosphates mining operations, clayey layers are removed as mine wastes. The main objective of this paper was to investigate the feasibility to valorize these mine wastes as Lightweight aggregates (LWAs) by mixing them with organic wastes (sawdust and coffee grounds) which act as pore-forming agents. Thermal transformations and microstructural changes during heating were investigated using X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The bulk density, compressive strength and water absorption of LWAs were also determined. Neoformed mineral phases was characterized and correlated to the LWA microstructure. The results demonstrated that original aluminosilicated minerals, dolomite and part of quartz were involved in the mineralization process and melt abundance respectively. SEM observations displayed a tangled microstructure that results from merged particles and different pores sizes. The addition of pore-forming agent to clays waste enhanced the macro-pore formation process in comparison to the reference samples. LWAs with good performances (density 0.8–0.95 g/cm3 and compressive strength ∼77 MPa) were successfully manufactured by mixing 25 wt% of coffee grounds or sawdusts with clayey phosphate waste.
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Abstract We report evidence for the electrochemical performances of two Li-ion full cells, built up by the combination of LiCo 2/3 Ni 1/6 Mn 1/6 O 2 cathode material with MnSn 2 intermetallic and Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 spinel as the anode... more
Abstract We report evidence for the electrochemical performances of two Li-ion full cells, built up by the combination of LiCo 2/3 Ni 1/6 Mn 1/6 O 2 cathode material with MnSn 2 intermetallic and Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 spinel as the anode materials, respectively. MnSn 2 and Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 electrode materials illustrate different working voltage versus the redox couple Li + /Li 0 and different reaction mechanisms during lithium insertion/deinsertion cycles. The structure, morphological characteristics and the electrochemical properties of the studied materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical techniques. The two full-cell configurations showed different electrochemical behaviors. The MnSn 2 //LiCo 2/3 Ni 1/6 Mn 1/6 O 2 configuration exhibits high working voltage (~ 3.5 V) and specific capacity (~ 200 mAh/g cathode ) but suffers from high irreversible capacity loss during the first cycles and capacity fading during cycling. The Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 //LiCo 2/3 Ni 1/6 Mn 1/6 O 2 cell demonstrated excellent cycling properties at different C-rates with 100% capacity retention after 150 cycles at 1 C. Although the working voltage (~ 2.2 V) and the specific capacity (~ 140 mAh/g cathode ) are lower than those of the MnSn 2 //LiCo 2/3 Ni 1/6 Mn 1/6 O 2 configuration, the other measured electrochemical properties suggest that the Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 //LiCo 2/3 Ni 1/6 Mn 1/6 O 2 full cell is a potential candidate for battery application due to its excellent cycling performance and improved safety.
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Abstract This study aims to reuse the sewage sludge (SW) and the glass wastes (GW) combined with Safi clays (SC) in lightweight aggregates (LWA) production. The LWA based on the ternary and the binary formulations was handmade prepared... more
Abstract This study aims to reuse the sewage sludge (SW) and the glass wastes (GW) combined with Safi clays (SC) in lightweight aggregates (LWA) production. The LWA based on the ternary and the binary formulations was handmade prepared then fired at different temperatures 700 °C,900 °C, and 1030 °C. The results obtained revealed that the incorporation of SW reduces the density of the LWA and the firing temperature to 700 °C. While the optimal density (0.84 g/cm3) was obtained by the incorporation of 30% of SW and 30% of GW. The incorporation of GW creates the vitreous phase on the surface of the aggregates which enhance their physical and mechanical proprieties.
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A composite based on hydroxyapatite (HA) and chitosan (CS) combined with ciprofloxacin (CIP) was formulated by the solid-liquid mixing method. The optimization of the solid to the liquid ratio and the use of chitosan in a small amount (≤5... more
A composite based on hydroxyapatite (HA) and chitosan (CS) combined with ciprofloxacin (CIP) was formulated by the solid-liquid mixing method. The optimization of the solid to the liquid ratio and the use of chitosan in a small amount (≤5 wt%) promoted the preparation of stable and rigid monoliths. A synergistic effect of CS and CIP contents on the compressive strength of the CIP-loaded composite was evidenced. The compressive strength of the fabricated biocomposite ranged in values from 1 to 6 MPa, comparable to those reported for cancellous bone. The improvement of the mechanical properties with the increase of the rate of organic components was correlated with the diminution of the surface area and the reduction in the pore volume of the specimens. On the other hand, the in vitro release experiments of the antibiotic indicated a sustained and controlled release of CIP over 10 days. Moreover, in vitro antibacterial tests performed on the biocomposite HA-CS5-CIP showed significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli pathogens. According to the showed results, the formulated composite with three-phase components could be a promising material for bone repair and local antibiotic release for the treatment of bone infections.
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The abandoned Kettara pyrrhotite mine, located near Marrakech, Morocco, is an acid mine drainage (AMD) producer site. A store-and-release cover system made of phosphate wastes was built to prevent water infiltration and the formation of... more
The abandoned Kettara pyrrhotite mine, located near Marrakech, Morocco, is an acid mine drainage (AMD) producer site. A store-and-release cover system made of phosphate wastes was built to prevent water infiltration and the formation of AMD. This cover system should be vegetated with appropriate plants to ensure its long-term sustainability and allow its reintegration in the surrounding ecosystem. Several indigenous plant species were studied. The choice of plant species was based mainly on their tolerance to trace elements contained in the phosphate wastes, and their low capacity to translocate these metals to their aboveground parts in order to limit the risk of pollutants transfer along the food chain. The main metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr) are determined in 13 dominant plants naturally colonizing the store-and-release cover and their rhizospheric soils. The results showed that the phosphate cover contained high concentrations of Cr (138.04 mg/kg), Cu (11...
Research Interests: Plants()
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In this study, we present the efficiency of remediation scenario to attenuate the impact of acid mine drainage (AMD) contamination in the Kettara abandoned mine site. The study focuses on the AMD groundwater contamination of the Sarhlef... more
In this study, we present the efficiency of remediation scenario to attenuate the impact of acid mine drainage (AMD) contamination in the Kettara abandoned mine site. The study focuses on the AMD groundwater contamination of the Sarhlef shists aquifer. To predict the evolution of AMD groundwater contamination in the Kettara mine site under remediation scenario, a model of groundwater flow and AMD transport was performed. Piezometric heads were measured at the dry and wet periods from eleven wells located downstream of mine wastes. To elaborate a conceptual groundwater flow model, we faced with to the heterogeneity and anisotropy of fractured Sarhlef shists aquifer. Consequently, the study focused on the use of various approaches: 1. The inverse modeling by the CMA-ES algorithm is adopted as an alternative approach to determine hydraulic parameters indirectly, and 2. the model is treated as an equivalent porous media (EPM). The groundwater flow model was carried out in steady-state a...