The influence of acid treatment on the adsorption‑structural characteristics of filtering materials created based on steelmaking slag

Many industrial enterprises use electroplating processes that lead to the formation of water containing heavy metal ions such as chromium, copper, zinc, nickel, and others. Such water is a dangerous source of environmental pollution. Most heavy metal ions belong to hazard classes I–II, they have carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, and have a cumulative effect. The literature analysis showed that there is positive experience in the use of steelmaking slags in the processes of cleaning contaminated water of various origins from heavy metals. The study examines the effect of acid activation on the adsorption‑structural characteristics of filtering materials created based on steelmaking slag. It is shown that during the interaction of some acids with slag, new crystallographic phases are formed on its surface, and contact with other acids leads to the leaching of ions and their transition to the aqueous phase. It has been established that during acid activation, the specific surface area increases by 57–132 times compared to the original material.