Effect of pH and Subgrade Type on Trace-Metal Leaching from Steel-Slag Embankments into Groundwater
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 31, Issue 8
Abstract
An experimental research program was carried out to evaluate the environmental impacts of embankments constructed with steel slag on groundwater. A series of sequential water leach tests and sequential column leach tests were performed to study the leaching of aluminum, copper, and zinc into groundwater due to the flow of percolating rainwater through treated steel slag. The results indicated that treating steel slag prior to use by mixing with an alum-based water treatment residual resulted in lower effluent pH and metal concentrations. Metal leaching was greatly affected by the effluent pH and total metal content, as well as the natural pH and buffering capacity of the subgrade. The results of the employed numerical model showed that the field metal concentrations were expected to be considerably lower than those measured in laboratory column leach tests due to dispersion within the vadose zone.
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Acknowledgments
This study was financially supported by Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Maryland Water Resources Research Center (MWRRC). Endorsement by the MDOT and MWRRC or the steel slag suppliers is not implied and should not be assumed.
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Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 31 • Issue 8 • August 2019
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©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 13, 2018
Accepted: Jan 30, 2019
Published online: May 24, 2019
Published in print: Aug 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Oct 24, 2019
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