TREATMENT OF ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE DUST TO RESIST ACID AND ALKALINE LEACHING OF HEAVY METALS.

摘要

A supplemental agent for a hazardous waste composition containing electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) includes potassium magnesium sulfate or a magnesium salt such as magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride. The supplemental agent when mixed with EAFD and water, along with either lime inherent within the EAFD or added lime, reduces the leaching of heavy metals from the waste composition over a wide range of leaching conditions, including both acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments. The method for reducing the concentration of heavy metals in a leachate from the EAFD involves forming a mixture of EAFD, water, the supplemental agent, and, optionally, ferrous sulfate, along with lime, then permitting the mixture to react.