Immobilization of Sb(III) and Sb(V) using steel slag fines

Abstract

The immobilization potential of Sb(III) and Sb(V) by freshly crushed steel slag fines (SSF) media was evaluated. The SSF media was characterized as USCS SP type soil with <5% passing the No. 200 (0.075 mm) sieve. Despite its granular nature, the mineralogy and residual lime content make the SSF media quite reactive and there is interest in potentially using SSF media in firing range back stop berms. Accordingly, the SSF media was individually spiked Sb(III) and Sb(V) solutions having target doses equivalent to 100 mg/kg to 10,000 mg/kg to gauge the ability of the SSF media to immobilize antimony, an alloy used in munitions. After 30 days of mellowing, all samples were air-dried and tested for pH, total metal concentrations, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) leaching performance.