Evaluating the Concentration and Leachability of Heavy Metals in Electric Arc Furnace Dust: Implications for Environmental Management

Abstract

With the expansion of steel production via electric arc furnaces, an increase in dust generation—a by-product of these operations—poses substantial challenges. These difficulties stem from land use restrictions for large-scale dust waste storage and the environmental implications of heavy metal contamination inherent in the dust. In an effort to promote the repurposing of this potentially hazardous solid waste, this study examines the concentration and leachability of various heavy metals in this dust. Digestion of the dust samples was carried out in a controlled laboratory setting, after which the concentrations of iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co) were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations of these heavy metals in the dust were found to be in the following descending order (in mg/kg): Fe> Mg> Zn> Mn> Ni> Pb> Cu> Cd> Co. Water leaching tests were subsequently conducted, revealing that Co and Cd exhibited the greatest leachability at varying pH levels. Conversely, Fe and Ni displayed minimal leachability. These findings have significant implications for the reuse and environmental management of electric arc furnace dust.