Effect of galena contained in dust from Zn–Pb metallurgical processes on environment

Abstract

This paper assesses the effect of galena emitted with dust from an electrostatic precipitator at Miasteczko Śląskie Zinc Smelting Plant (Poland) onto a soil and water environment. The Eh–pH diagrams plotted in the temperature range of − 3 to 25 °C serve to determine the conditions of PbS stability and conditions under which its decomposition may occur, resulting in the release of ionic forms of lead into the soil and water environment. Determination of the mobility of galena emitted with metallurgical dust is a current and important issue in view of the geochemistry of mineral components in the environment.