Lead glass-ceramics produced from the beneficial use of waterworks sludge

► Simulated Pb-laden sludge was incorporated into PbAl2O4 phase by γ-Al2O3 precursor. ► Pb can be transformed to glass-PbAl2Si2O8 composites with aluminosilicate precursors. ► 69% of Pb was hosted by PbAl2Si2O8 through reacting with waterworks sludge precursor. ► PbAl2Si2O8 provides a superior lead stabilization effect comparing to PbAl2O4.