Metallic phases in slags and their influence on the leaching characteristics were investigated. The proportions of metallic
phase in four slags were 0.028%, 0.24%, 1.87%, and 3.05% by weight. The lead content was 10–248 mg/kg in bulk slag after metal
removal, while in the metallic phase it was 579–7390 mg/kg. Lead concentrations in the metallic phase were more than ten times
higher than in slags after metal removal. Lead was distributed in the metallic phase at 2.0%, 8.3%, 10.3%, and 47.4%. The
concentrations of all metallic elements in metallic phases were much higher than in bulk slag. Iron, copper, and nickel had
accumulated in magnetic metals, while aluminum and zinc were found in nonmagnetic metals. As regards chromium, manganese,
lead, and tin, the proportion of metallic phases depended on the slag samples. By removing metallic phases, both water and
pH 4 leachable lead decreased. The basic principles of melting residues containing lead are the separation of lead as a metal
in reductive melting, and the containment of lead ions into uniform glassy particles in oxidization melting. Melting slag
can be seen to contribute to environmental preservation by facilitating the recycling of materials through the separation
of metals from melting slag.
Key words Melting slag - Municipal incinerator ash - Heavy metals - Lead - Leaching test
Received: February 21, 2000 / Accepted: July 27, 2000