Electrochemical Removal of Heavy Metals from Acid Mine Drainage.

摘要

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to determine the economics of ferrous iron oxidation in a cell containing a bed of conductive particles in the space between the cathode and the anode. The effects of the process on other heavy metals present in acid mine drainage (AMD) and on the character of solids precipitated during treatment of low acidity water were also observed. A 18.9liter/min (5gal./min) pilot plant was operated at an actual mine site to evaluate treatment of 40and 250ppm ferrous iron AMD at pH levels of 2and 5. A conventional aeration system was also included to generate comparative data. Estimates for a 473liter/min (125gal./min) plant based on the pilot data for oxidation only indicate that capital and operating costs for electrochemical treatment would be higher than those for aeration by factors of 5and 1.7respectively. (Modified author abstract)