Physicochemical Mechanisms and Environmental Benefits of Using Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag for Sewage Sludge Stabilization

completely inactivated and coliforms reduced to <10 CFU/g using an optimal particle size of 0.6-1 mm. Furthermore, the economic assessment indicates that BOF slag reduces treatment costs by 15-30% compared with those associated with commercial alkalis. From an environmental perspective, the use of this byproduct results in a net carbon footprint reduction of 68-91% per ton of treated sludge, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective and low-carbon alternative for the circular economy in wastewater treatment.