Removal of hydrogen sulfide with steelmaking slag by concurrent reactions of sulfide mineralization and oxidation

This study experimentally revealed the entire mechanisms of mineralization and oxidation of H2S by steelmaking slag. After adding steelmaking slag to an artificially prepared H2S solution, white precipitates were generated, and were identified as elemental sulfur by X-ray absorption fine structure spectra. Sulfate ion was also detected in the solution, but in small amounts. In addition, FeS was identified on the surface of the steelmaking slag. An increase in the oxidation-reduction potential implies the oxidation of H2S by the steelmaking slag, resulting in the formation of oxidized sulfur compounds. We confirmed that steelmaking slag can effectively remove H2S through oxidation as well as through its mineralization to FeS and that these processes are promoted by both Fe and Mn originating from the slag.