Developing the Biosorption Process for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Remediation

摘要

Sargassum seaweed biomass is capable of selectively removing Cu~(2+) from water containing Fe~(2+) in the pH range of pH (3-5). The seaweed can bind up to a maximum of 80 mg of Cu per g of biomass (dry weight) by ion exchange. Copper bound to the biosorbent can be desorbed by an acidic wash and the biosorbent can be reused. A flow-through biosorption column packed with Sargassum biomass was used to continuously remove Cu~(2+) from an aqueous feed. The effect of the presence of Fe~(2+) in water on the equilibrium uptake of Cu~(2+) by Sargassum was examined at pH 3.7. The potential for the biosorption process using Sargassum biomass to treat AMD treatment systems was discussed. Total capital and operating costs associated with the biosorption process were outlined.