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Two-way Valorization of Blast Furnace Slag: Synthesis of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate and Zeolitic Heavy Metal Adsorbent
Published on: February 21, 2017
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Mercury in dumped blast furnace sludge
Corinna Földi1, Reiner Dohrmann2, Tim Mansfeldt1
1Department of Geosciences, Soil Geography/Soil Science, University of Cologne, D-50923 Köln, Germany.
Chemosphere
|December 3, 2013
Summary
Blast furnace sludge (BFS) is a mercury-containing waste, significantly enriched with mercury compared to its source materials. Dumped BFS sites should be treated as potentially mercury-contaminated due to this enrichment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Industrial Waste Management
Background:
- Blast furnace sludge (BFS) is a byproduct of pig iron production, often disposed of in sedimentation ponds.
- The environmental impact of mercury (Hg) in industrial waste, particularly BFS, requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify mercury (Hg) levels in European blast furnace sludge (BFS) for the first time.
- To identify potential mercury (Hg) hosting phases and assess its solubility and hazard potential in BFS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 65 BFS samples from seven European locations for total mercury (Hg) content.
- Correlation analysis between Hg content and carbonaceous materials (coke, graphite).
- Assessment of Hg solubility using NH4NO3 extraction.
Main Results:
- BFS samples showed significantly higher Hg concentrations (median 1.63 mg/kg) than charge materials (0.015–0.097 mg/kg), indicating Hg enrichment.
- A strong correlation was found between Hg and total non-calcareous carbon (C), suggesting carbonaceous compounds host Hg.
- Low Hg solubility (≤0.43%) and a poor correlation between total and soluble Hg indicated variable hazard potentials.
Conclusions:
- Blast furnace sludge (BFS) is confirmed as a mercury-containing waste.
- Dumped BFS sites represent potentially mercury-contaminated areas requiring careful management.
- Understanding Hg binding phases and solubility is crucial for risk assessment of BFS disposal sites.
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