Weakening of the environmental impact of metallurgical production in the Irkutsk region caused by recycling of dust waste
摘要
We study, the environmental impact of metallurgical production in the Irkutsk region by focusing our attention on the PJSC “RUSAL Bratsk” plant. Under the conditions of economic uncertainty caused by the world crisis and sanctions, metallurgy continues to exert a significant negative influence both on the ecosystem and on the health of local population. We investigate the possibility of secondary use of fine-fraction dust wastes (electrofilter dusts and sludges) formed in the process of production with an aim to weaken harmful ecological effect. The performed evaluation of the degree of damage to atmospheric air and soils demonstrate that the PJSC “RUSAL Bratsk” is responsible for 61% of emissions of the harmful substances in the regions of its operation. Our investigations revealed the presence of a high level of ecological damage, strongly affected by the wastes of hazard classes 3 and 4. Therefore, the main efforts in our work are concentrated on the use of these wastes as secondary raw materials in manufacturing of sorption materials, which would make it possible to reduce the volume of nonrecyclable wastes. The results of comparative analysis demonstrate that the obtained sorbents are characterized by good physicochemical properties and high resistance to the action of microorganisms, which opens wide prospects for their application in wastewater treatment. The accumulated results emphasize the necessity of implementation of measures aimed at the reuse of metallurgical wastes as a method for minimizing their negative impact on the environment.