Sulfated Steelmaking Slags as Se(IV) Adsorbents: Effects of Preparation Conditions on Adsorption Performance

Abstract

Steelmaking slags treated with aqueous H₂SO₄ were characterized as Se(IV) adsorbents, and notable adsorption ability was shown to develop at H₂SO₄ concentrations of 0.18–0.20 mol/L. The enhanced adsorption performance of slags sulfated in the presence of H₂O₂ suggested that their Se(IV) adsorption sites contained Fe(III) and resembled those of schwertmannite. Langmuir analysis of Se(IV) adsorption isotherms was used to determine the corresponding adsorption capacities and adsorption constants. Thus, the obtained results allow one to simultaneously solve the problems of slag utilization and Se removal from wastewater or natural water, contributing to the establishment of a greener society.