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Long-term quiescent-flow incubation experiment: deciphering metal mobilization from slags

  • Anna Potysz (Corresponding author)
  • , Tamara Đorđević
  • , Artur Pędziwiatr
  • , Wencke Wegner

Publications: Contribution to journalMeeting abstract/Conference paperPeer Reviewed

Abstract

Laterite nickel-smelting operations at Vozarci in the Republic of North Macedonia have produced large quantities of smelting waste, much of which has been dumped close to the smelter. As a part of our previous study (ĐORĐEVIĆ et al. 2024) we have mineralogically and chemically characterized various groups of slags from this area. To stimulate natural weathering conditions, we conducted long-term quiescent-flow leaching experiments. This case study refers to a real-life environmental scenario in which metallurgical slags originating from nickel processing were disposed of, leaving the slag boulders continuously exposed to rainwater during the rainy season. Our objective was to decipher the mobilization of contaminants from metal-bearing slags and to predict their potential environmental impact. The experimental conditions involved immersing the slags in the aqueous solutions adjusted to pH 2.9 and 4.8 for a period of 18 months.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)124
JournalMitteilungen der Österreichischen Mineralogischen Gesellschaft
Volume171
Publication statusPublished - 2025
EventMinPet 2025: From Fundamental Research to Applications in Industry - Montanuniversität Leoben, Leoben, Austria
Duration: 21 Sept 202523 Sept 2025
https://www.unileoben.ac.at/minpet-leoben/

Funding

This research was funded by the Wissenschaftlich-Technische Zusammenarbeit (WTZ) of the OeAD [PL 14/2024] and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) [BPN/BAT/2023/1/00021]. The analytical research was financed within the framework of the research project OPUS 2023/49/B/ST10/01227 and by the Own Science Development Fund of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences.

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 105116 Mineralogy
  • 105113 Crystallography

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