Stabilization of electrical arc furnace dust with low-grade MgO prior to landfill

In Spain, the stabilization of electric arc furnace (EAF) dust prior to landfill is mainly carried out using a mixture of lime and Portland cement. This paper describes the treatment of EAF dust with low-grade MgO LG MgO) and the results are compared to those obtained with a lime and Portland cement mixture used as a stabilizer agent. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed with leaching tests results. The use of LG MgO allows us to manage this waste as a nontoxic residue according to tests decreed by Spanish regulations. Low-grade MgO acts as a buffering agent giving the final pH mixture a value within the range of minimum heavy metal solubility.