Valuable Utilization of Ferrochrome Slag for Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

During ferrochrome production, slag is discarded as a waste material in huge quantities. A relatively small percentage finds application whereas majority of the slag is held in dumps. The purpose of the study is valuable utilization of ferrochrome slag. The experimental results showed that 99% removal of chromium (Cr(VI)) was achieved in 1 h by ferrochrome slag from Sukinda chromite mines water. There is an in situ generation of ferrous sulphate by the effect of oxidizing agent and iron content of ferrochrome slag which is capable of reducing Cr(VI) to trivalent chromium. Water samples surrounding the slag dumped area were checked to find out the extent of problem caused by them. There is no adverse effect of Cr on the surrounding water samples. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test revealed that the slag is environmentally stable. This research concludes that used ferrochrome slag could be utilized as a waste water treatment.