Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Utilization Products of Aluminum–Chromium Slag

Haimeng Hou, Jian Wang (), Shu Jia and Yong Xu
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Haimeng Hou: College of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
Jian Wang: Shenyang Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shenyang 110167, China
Shu Jia: Liaoning Waste Disposal Industry Association, Shenyang 110033, China
Yong Xu: Suzhou Huace Testing Technology Co., Ltd., Suzhou 215134, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-15

Abstract: Aluminum–chromium slag (ACS), a by-product of aluminothermic reduction, which is used to produce metallic chromium and its alloys, contains toxic, carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Therefore, improper ACS utilization may severely harm human health and the environment. This study analyzed the Cr(VI) contents, leaching characteristics, and surface concentrations in ACS and four industrially utilized products derived from it (fused alumina for refractories, ferrochromium, aluminum–chromium bricks, and high-chromium bricks). A risk assessment framework was established to evaluate their human health and environmental risks. Results showed 111 mg/kg Cr(VI) in the ACS, with its leaching concentration (7.8 mg/L) exceeding China’s hazardous waste standard. The Cr(VI) contents in the products were low (from <2 mg/kg to 16 mg/kg), and their maximum leaching concentration was below the detection limit (<0.004 mg/L). Furthermore, the four products were found to have acceptable levels of human health risk (<10 −5 carcinogenic risk and <1 noncarcinogenic hazard quotient) under two risk assessment methods (particle-contact- and surface-contact-based methods). Additionally, the predicted concentration of leached Cr(VI) in groundwater (0.008 mg/L) was below the drinking water standard (0.05 mg/L). Cr(VI) limit standards for the products were then proposed based on the risk assessment (≤31 mg/kg content, ≤0.189 mg/m 2 surface concentration, and ≤0.259 mg/L leaching concentration). Overall, these results may provide a reference for the safe utilization and risk management of ACS and other solid wastes.

Keywords: carcinogenic risk; noncarcinogenic risk; utilization product from hazardous wastes; hexavalent chromium; refractory material; leaching toxicity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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