Abstract
Metallurgical waste originating from the Zn and Pb refining process presents varying chemical composition and physical properties and contains varying quantities of pollutants. In the study, both fresh and weathered samples of production slag from the final Pb refining process were used to determine its physical parameters and chemical composition as well as to perform an environmental risk assessment (RAC, mRAC) related to its storage. This paper focuses on determining parameters such as natural humidity (1.8%) and bulk density (1267 kg/m3) of the slag. Also, its toxicity was analysed using bio-tests, its pH was measured (11.92) and the content of sulphates (3.5 wt%), chlorides (0.3 wt%) and selected heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb) was determined. The Individual Contamination Factor was determined, yielding the following order of the hazard level: Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd > Fe > Mn. Based on the mobility of metals determined using the Mobility Factor, it was concluded that the hazard level followed the sequence Cd > Pb > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu. The obtained water leaching results were compared to the values found in the legal regulations in force. Based on this comparison, it was established that the slag studied constitutes toxic waste containing considerable quantities of sulphides and chlorides. The material is also a considerable source of readily leaching elements (Cd, Zn and Pb), and thus any product created using the slag may become hazardous to the environment. Also, the waste studied must not be used in the form in which it is currently stored due to the leaching of particularly toxic elements (Cd and Pb) in water solutions with increasing acidity.
Highlights
IntroductionMetallurgical waste has varying and often quite complex chemical composition that is often hard to determine (Pearson et al 2001)
Metallurgical waste has varying and often quite complex chemical composition that is often hard to determine (Pearson et al 2001). It presents different physical properties and causes varying levels of contamination. The reason for this is its varying geological origin, different methods for obtaining raw materials as well as different processing technologies and production methods employed, which are frequently changed by introducing new additives, catalysts and other substances used to modify the properties of the final product (Acosta et al 2001; Czop and Kajda-Szczesniak 2016; Kierczak and Pietrasik 2011)
The presence of PTEs in slags is associated with their chemical properties which manifest as amphoteric properties, their characteristic very low solubility at neutral pH and increased solubility of metals in acidic and alkaline soil environments (Baran and Antonkiewicz 2017; Carvalho et al 2014; Tsirdis et al 2012; Liu et al 2018)
Summary
Metallurgical waste has varying and often quite complex chemical composition that is often hard to determine (Pearson et al 2001). It presents different physical properties and causes varying levels of contamination The reason for this is its varying geological origin, different methods for obtaining raw materials as well as different processing technologies and production methods employed, which are frequently changed by introducing new additives, catalysts and other substances used to modify the properties of the final product (Acosta et al 2001; Czop and Kajda-Szczesniak 2016; Kierczak and Pietrasik 2011). An example of such waste is slag. The presence of PTEs in slags is associated with their chemical properties which manifest as amphoteric properties, their characteristic very low solubility at neutral pH and increased solubility of metals in acidic and alkaline soil environments (Baran and Antonkiewicz 2017; Carvalho et al 2014; Tsirdis et al 2012; Liu et al 2018)
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.
