Synthesis and evaluation of basic oxygen furnace slag based geopolymers for removal of metals and sulphates from acidic industrial effluent-column study

Basic Oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) based geopolymers with open porosity ranging from 21%–57 % and density between 1255 kg/m³-2432 kg/m³ were synthesized. The synthesized geopolymers potential; to be used as attenuators for metal removal and neutralization of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD); were assessed and evaluated through column test studies conducted over a period of 133 days. The results show that BOFS based geopolymer composites can be used as attenuators as over 99 % metals were removed during the first 50 days. The results also revealed that higher porosity promoted greater neutralizing ability by dissolution of soluble salts from the BOFS based geopolymer; which improves the removal efficiencies of sulphates, metals and neutralization of AMD. Characterization of the composites after contact with AMD revealed that gypsum was the main mineral phase in the geopolymers indicating that precipitation was the major mechanism that enhanced metal and sulphates removal. BOFS based geopolymers can be used to replace armoring neutralizing agents such as limestone. The research contributes to sustainable development by addressing the environmental pollution posed by AMD and utilization of BOFS as a medium for remediation of AMD.