Red mud is the waste generated in the Bayer process of producing alumina from bauxite which is also known as bauxite residue. It is known that the Bayer process is a method of producing alumina by refining bauxite that was developed by Carl Joseph Bayer.
It is toxic due to high alkalinity and heavy element leaching. And stored in specially designed pond surrounded by clay.
Often the breakdown of these ponds increases soil, groundwater and air pollution, which has a fatal effect on both humans and wildlife.
It is one of the underutilized industrial wastes whose quantity has been increasing over the years due to inadequate technologies for its use. About 9 million tonnes of red mud is being produced in India every year.
Contains 30-55% ferric oxide, which is suitable for attenuating high-energy ionizing radiations such as X and gamma rays.