Abstract:Steel slag, characterized by its high density, large specific surface area, and rapid solid-liquid separation, has garnered significant attention in the field of wastewater treatment. Based on the research on the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater by steel slag adsorption in recent years, the adsorption mechanism of steel slag and the research status of steel slag adsorbents were summarized, and the problems and development trends of steel slag adsorbents in the treatment of heavy metal ions in wastewater were put forward. The results indicate that the adsorption mechanism of steel slag is mainly chemical adsorption, which has a good adsorption effect on heavy metal cations in wastewater. The main factors affecting the adsorption of heavy metal ions by steel slag include pH value of solution, initial concentration of heavy metal ions, types of heavy metal ions, adsorption time, dosage of steel slag, particle size of steel slag, and selectivity of steel slag. Due to its inherently low adsorption capacity, the steel slag adsorbent with higher adsorption rate can be prepared through modifications and composite formations. But at present, the utilization rate of steel slag in these enhanced adsorbents is low. In addition, in view of the problems existing in the application of steel slag based adsorbents, such as post-treatment harmlessness, recycling of adsorbents, and adsorption of real industrial wastewater, practical solutions were proposed. This research offers valuable insights for the application of steel slag in the field of wastewater treatment, and provides reference for the preparation of steel slag based adsorbent.