Abstract
Various heavy metal (HM)-containing slags have been utilized to expand mineral admixture sources. However, existing evaluation methods fail to reveal the leaching details. In this study, thermodynamic modelling, combined with sorption quantification and expanded databases, was used to describe HM leaching at varied pH values. Four service conditions related to paste inner pH were set to evaluate the risks in different environments. Three types of HMs and four metallurgical slags were used as HM sources. The results show that hydroxide precipitates are the main phases controlling the leaching of precipitation-type HMs, while sorption plays an important role in controlling the leaching of amphoteric-type and anion-type HMs. When HMs exist as hard-to-dissolve phases in slags, hydration products can first act as barriers against erosion and HMs cannot leach out until the barriers disappear (pH below ∼8). The established thermodynamic method helps to evaluate HM leaching risks from concrete more scientifically.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
