Potential Soil Contamination in Areas Where Ferronickel Slag Is Used for Reclamation Work

Abstract

This study aims to analyze contamination with the use of soil reclaimed with ferronickel slag (FNS). In order to investigate any contamination due to FNS disposal, soils were collected from three sites. The contamination analysis was done on these samples through a series of laboratory tests. Furthermore, laboratory tests simulating field conditions were performed in a soil chamber. In the lab test, three leaching agents, namely fresh water, acidic water and seawater, were used. The soil samples used were sand and silt with a relative density of 40% and a compaction ratio of 90%, respectively. The pH of the effluent discharged from the experimental soil chamber was also analyzed. After leaching, soil samples were subjected to analysis. The results showed that pH was higher in the silt than in the sand. The results of the laboratory tests exhibited that leaching of hazardous elements from FNS is limited, so that it can be used as a substitute for natural aggregate in the cement industry or construction applications.

Keywords

• FNS (ferronickel slag)
• engineering properties
• soil contamination analysis
• natural aggregate