REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM SYNTHETIC ACIDIC MINE WATER USING RECYCLED AGGREGATES

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD), a highly acidic and sulfate (SO42-)-rich solution, is an environmental concern related to the release of metal-containing wastewater from mining areas into the environment. In this study, recycled aggregates (RA) produced from concrete debris were used in the treatment of acidic mine water contaminated with heavy metals. For a model synthetic acidic mine water with a pH of 2.31, SO42- and iron (Fe) concentrations of 5200 mg L-1 and 700 mg L-1, respectively, RA increased the pH value to 11.18 and reduced the SO42- and Fe concentrations by 90.51% and 100%, respectively, at RA/AMD ratio of 100 mg L-1 after 300 minutes of shaking at room temperature in batch experiments. The test results also showed that 100% of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), silver (Pb) and cobalt (Co) concentrations were removed at this ratio and shaking time. This study demonstrates that RA have significant potential to neutralize acidity and remove heavy metals from AMD, a serious problem for ecological systems and health.

Keywords

• Acid mine drainage
• Heavy metals
• Recycled aggregates
• Batch experiment.

References

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