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Mineral precipitation and dissolution at two slag-disposal sites in northwestern Indiana, USA

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Slag is a ubiquitous byproduct of the iron- and steel-refining industries. In northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois, slag has been deposited over more than 52 km2 of land surface. Despite the widespread use of slag for fill and construction purposes, little is known about its chemical effects on the environment. Two slag-disposal sites were examined in northwestern Indiana where slag was deposited over the native glacial deposits. At a third site, where slag was not present, background conditions were defined. Samples were collected from cores and drill cuttings and described with scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. Ground-water samples were collected and used to assess thermodynamic equilibria between authigenic minerals and existing conditions. Differences in the mineralogy at background and slag-affected sites were apparent. Calcite, dolomite, gypsum, iron oxides, and clay minerals were abundant in native sediments immediately beneath the slag. Mineral features indicated that these minerals precipitated rapidly from slag drainage and co-precipitated minor amounts of non-calcium metals and trace elements. Quartz fragments immediately beneath the slag showed extensive pitting that was not apparent in sediments from the background site, indicating chemical weathering by the hyperalkaline slag drainage. The environmental impacts of slag-related mineral precipitation include disruption of natural ground-water flow patterns and bed-sediment armoring in adjacent surface-water systems. Dissolution of native quartz by the hyperalkaline drainage may cause instability in structures situated over slag fill or in roadways comprised of slag aggregates.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Roger Koelpin and Greg Overtoom, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, for their collaboration and support. We thank John Fitzpatrick (USGS) who ran the ICP-MS samples. The authors also thank Art White (USGS) and Tom Bullen (USGS) for their assistance, encouragement and helpful reviews. Robert Oscarson aided with the SEM and electron microprobe work. Charlie Bacon (USGS) was a collaborator in development of a standard carbonate method for the electron microprobe.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. US Geological Survey, 5957 Lakeside Blvd. , Indianapolis, IN 46278, USA

    E. R. Bayless

  2. US Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA

    M. S. Schulz

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  1. E. R. Bayless
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  2. M. S. Schulz
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Correspondence to E. R. Bayless.

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Bayless, E.R., Schulz, M.S. Mineral precipitation and dissolution at two slag-disposal sites in northwestern Indiana, USA. Env Geol 45, 252–261 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-003-0875-1

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