Removal mechanism of arsenic (V) by stainless steel slags obtained from scrap metal recycling

•Removal capacity of steel slag reaches 13.7 mg g−1.•Adsorption is important for the arsenic removal.•pH 2.0 is optimal for the adsorption of the slag.•Common ligands, fulvic and humic acid do not significantly interfere the removal.•>80 % of spiked As(v) in natural water in removed by the slag.