Dissolution mechanisms of steelmaking slags in sea water

ABSTRACT New methods to further utilize steelmaking slag must be developed from the viewpoint of not only the stable consumption of steelmaking slag but also the establishment of sustainable and environmental friendly steelmaking process. It is well known that the lack of iron in sea water, which is an essential minor nutrient for seaweeds, is a major reason for the severe deterioration of coastal environment all over the world. The trial application of steelmaking slag as a material to supply such mineral nutrients has revealed the positive effects on the improvement of coastal ecological system. Dissolution mechanisms of various elements from steelmaking slag into sea water must be clarified in order to apply the rehabilitation technology to seriously damaged coasts. In the present paper, the dissolution behaviours of nutrient elements from steelmaking slag and steelmaking slag blended with dredged soil into sea water, or sea water containing gluconic acid which have been previously studied through laboratory-scale experiments by authors were summarized, and the dissolution mechanisms were reviewed.