Metallurgical slags. Environmental geochemistry and resource potential / Металлургические шлаки. Геохимия окружающей среды и ресурсный потенциал

The aim of this book is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the environmental geochemistry and resource potential of metallurgical slags. Hundreds of millions of tonnes of slag, a by-product of pyrometallurgical processing of ferrous and non-ferrous ores or recyclable materials, are generated annually worldwide. These slags are either landfilled, reprocessed, or repurposed. Limited space, as the global population explodes exponentially; degradation of our water, air, and soil due to human activities; and global concern over our planet's finite natural resources inspire us to better understand our industrial footprint and minimize it, and find value in by-products and waste with the ultimate goal of a circular economy. Currently, research on the environmental impacts and utilization of slags is mainly presented as case studies in numerous specialized journals. Several valuable review manuscripts have been published in journals, mostly in the last 5 years, and several books have been dedicated to particular aspects of slag use, such as in construction, or evaluating the ecosystem impacts of all types of mining waste. However, a book providing a compilation and detailed discussions of metallurgical slags' uses and impacts does not exist. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of how metallurgical slags are generated, their fate in the environment, and their numerous beneficial uses, unlike any other book published to date. <...>