Abstract
Dissolution of diopside-bearing slag and its amorphous counterpart was investigated to decipher recovery potential of these slags. The contribution of direct slag phase dissolution was investigated using a biotic solution with Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans versus sterile growth medium, whereas citric acid was applied to demonstrate slags dissolution in organic medium. Potential metal donor slag phases and easily released elements were identified by comparing theoretical and experimental dissolution ratios. It was shown that K and Na were the most mobile elements leaching from glassy and diopside slag (up to 99%). Recovery targeted metals were released in the quantities of 56% (Cu)–96% (Zn) from glassy slag and 27% (Cu)–98% (Zn) from diopside slag. Results demonstrated that studied slags are good candidates for Zn recovery during short-term treatment, whereas extension of time would be required for efficient Cu extraction. Abiotic growth medium had little effect on metal leaching (up to 53% versus only 3% for the glassy and diopside slags, respectively). Glassy slag revealed greater susceptibility to dissolution as compared to diopside slag. Further studies improving recovery conditions are expected to improve environmental soundness of proposed treatments and to generate residues depleted in toxic elements. This study highlights the importance of evaluation of individual slags in terms of metal and major elements leachability.
Highlights
The metallurgical industry holds a great economic and societal importance; this sector is key for meeting supply demands of various industrial branches
We found that crystalline diopside-bearing slag and its amorphous counterpart undergo dissolution, overall dissolution manner varied depending on slag incubated and conditions tested
This study revealed that Si release from diopside-bearing slag (Di-slag) in citric acid (CA) solution increased as PD increased as opposed to Gl-slag for which Si release increased as PD decreased
Summary
The metallurgical industry holds a great economic and societal importance; this sector is key for meeting supply demands of various industrial branches. Metals enable the development of human living conditions. The role of metals was already acknowledged in ancient times. Development of society would not have been possible without investigating metal properties and their applicability [1]. Metal production is mainly achieved by pyrometallurgy, this industrial sector generates various types of wastes, including slags. It is important to note that the pyrometallurgical industry is associated with metal losses; a large number of reports have proven this based on mineralogical analysis of slags. The slags usually carry phases enriched in metals indicating that achieving complete process efficiency is not possible [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
