Alteration in soils of slag particles resulting from lead smelting

A smelter located in northern France produces lead and zinc. Large amounts of metal bearing slag particles result from the process and constitute a ma in environmental problem. This work presents a characterization of the slag grains at the exit of the furnace and in the surrounding soils where they are frequently found. Their comparison shows an alteration in soils reveale d by a strong increase of their porosity and a modification of their morpho logy. Chemical analyses indicate that Pb and Zn are released in the soils d uring the partial dissolution of the slag particles. (C) 2000 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicates Elsevier SAS.