Metallurgical Slags in the Environment and Treatment Systems: Insights Regarding Biotic Interactions

Metallurgical slags are defined as solid materials categorized as ferrous slags, if derived from iron and steel production and non-ferrous slags (base metal slags), if originated from the production of metals other than iron. Formerly, disposal was a common slag management practice as opposed to the present management trends focusing on slag use in engineering applications and metal recovery processes. Interactions of microorganisms with slags have two important implications: (i) release of potentially toxic elements is expected in landfills when microorganisms interact with slag materials and (ii) microbial functions and activities affecting slag dissolution found their application in engineered reactors. The rates of slag dissolution are currently predictable to some extent, however, a deeper focus still needs to be placed to unravel the possible disturbance scenarios.