Abstract: A method of detoxifying hazardous wastes containing mercury, zinc, selenium, arsenic, antimony, or thallium by mixing the waste with silicate and a setting agent which together form an alkaline silicate matrix. An additive other than the silicate and setting agent is mixed with the waste, prior to the matrix setting, to form a complex with the mercury, zinc, selenium, arsenate, antimony, thallium, or copper that is substantially insoluble in the environment of the alkaline silicate matrix. The alkaline silicate matrix thereby binds wastes which could otherwise leach out to contaminate the environment.

Abstract: A method of treating sewage is disclosed. Sewage is mixed with an ammonia source, and the mixture is formed into a substantially impermeable mass. The substantially impermeable nature of the mixture increases the ammonia concentration therein and substantially completely destroys all viable parasites. When the impermeable mass is formed by addition of cement and silicate, a strongly alkaline environment is created that kills bacteria and viruses. The resulting end product is a friable mass that is substantially free of pathogens and suitable for unrestricted reuse.