Ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of steel slags: Preliminary results

Abstract

The European iron and steel industry produces a considerable amount of waste and by-products. Also in Italy the steel slag production is very high. Steel slags may be reused in recycled materials, such as materials for the construction industry, road base and asphalt mixtures, allowing to reduce the final disposal in a landfill. The reuse of this recycled material may generate potential release of toxic compounds for the environment and humans. The aim of this study was to assess the ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of steel slags by using an integrated chemical-biological approach. Chemical analysis of leachates obtained by using short-term leaching tests (UNI EN 12457-2) were performed, to evaluate the waste potential reuse according to the Italian legislation (Ministerial Decree 186/2006). Moreover, solutions obtained from leaching tests were assayed by using ecotoxicity tests on plant and animal organisms and genotoxicity tests on bacteria, plant and human cells. Chemical analyses of the eluates were within the limits of the Italian legislation. The preliminary results of the ecotoxicity and the genotoxicity tests demonstrated that this material has a low toxicity and therefore its potential use as a recycled material.