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Villa Gomez D, Hong P, Berry L, Liu D, Edraki M. Element distribution in electrochemically treated mine wastewater for efficient resource recovery and water treatment: A pilot study. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139536. [PMID: 37482318 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The feasibility of recovering major and critical elements from acid mine drainage using a pilot-scale electrochemical reactor (ECR) was investigated by assessing elements concentration and species distribution in the liquid and solid phase (sludge) in multistage tests. These were carried out at different electrical currents (18-22 amps) and thus, pH (8-12). The results showed that major metals Al, Cu and Fe were removed from the liquid phase at pH 5.9 while remaining the majority of Zn (57.2 ppm). On the other hand, at pH 7, the effluent was mainly composed of Mn (7.3 ppm). These results were confirmed by the simulation results using the PHREEQC model, which also identified the main chemical species in solution and the precipitates formed after the treatment (oxyhydroxides/sulfates/oxides). The ECR treatment led to sludges with targeted critical elements, some up to 20 times (Co, Be and Sb) higher than their earth's crustal abundance. At pH 10, rare earth elements in the sludge targeted Ce, followed by Nd and La. This study is one of the few studies carrying a detailed analysis of the behavioural distribution pattern of these elements at each pH, which opens the door for the potential of recovering these elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denys Villa Gomez
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Hong
- Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke Berry
- Clean & Recover, 1015/80, Meiers Rd, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia
| | - Di Liu
- Clean & Recover, 1015/80, Meiers Rd, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia
| | - Mansour Edraki
- Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia.
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2
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Vargas-Figueroa C, Pino-Soto L, Beratto-Ramos A, Tapiero Y, Rivas BL, Berrio ME, Melendrez MF, Bórquez RM. In-Situ Modification of Nanofiltration Membranes Using Carbon Nanotubes for Water Treatment. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:616. [PMID: 37504982 PMCID: PMC10385991 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13070616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Modification of thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration (NF) membranes to increase permeability and improve separation performance remains a significant challenge for water scarcity. This study aimed to enhance the permeability and selectivity of two commercial polyamide (PA) NF membranes, NF90 and NF270, by modifying them with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using microwave (MW)-assisted in-situ growth. The conducting polymer, polypyrrole (Ppy), and a ferrocene catalyst were used to facilitate the growth process. Chemical and morphological analyses confirmed that the surface of both membranes was modified. The NF270-Ppy-CNT membrane was selected for ion rejection testing due to its superior permeability compared to the NF90-Ppy-CNT. The modified NF270 membrane showed a 14% increase in ion rejection while maintaining constant water permeability. The results demonstrated that it is feasible to attach CNTs to a polymeric surface without compromising its functional properties. The Spliegler-Kedem model was employed to model the rejection and permeate flux of NF270-Ppy-CNT and NF270 membranes, which indicated that diffusive transport contributes to the modification to increase NaCl rejection. The present study provides a promising approach for modifying membranes by in-situ CNT growth to improve their performance in water treatment applications, such as desalination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Vargas-Figueroa
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 219, Concepción 4070409, Chile
| | - Luis Pino-Soto
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 219, Concepción 4070409, Chile
| | - Angelo Beratto-Ramos
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 219, Concepción 4070409, Chile
| | - Yesid Tapiero
- Departamento de Polímeros, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 129, Concepción 4070371, Chile
| | - Bernabé Luis Rivas
- Departamento de Polímeros, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 129, Concepción 4070371, Chile
| | - María Elizabeth Berrio
- Advanced Nanocomposites Research Group (GINA), Departamento de Ingeniería en Materiales (DIMAT), Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 315, Concepción 4070415, Chile
| | - Manuel Francisco Melendrez
- Advanced Nanocomposites Research Group (GINA), Departamento de Ingeniería en Materiales (DIMAT), Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 315, Concepción 4070415, Chile
| | - Rodrigo M Bórquez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 219, Concepción 4070409, Chile
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Influence of multivalent-electrolyte metal solutions on the superficial properties and performance of a polyamide nanofiltration membrane. Sep Purif Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.118846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Schwarz A, Pérez N. Long-term operation of a permeable reactive barrier with diffusive exchange. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 284:112086. [PMID: 33571852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluate the long term operation of a bench-scale reactor which simulates a permeable reactive barrier with sulfidic diffusive exchange (SDES PRB) to treat acid mine drainage (AMD), considering that treatment costs are very sensitive to the useful life for passive reactors. Its functioning was evaluated for a much longer period of 591 days compared to previous SDES PRB studies, with two influents simulating moderately and highly acid groundwater contaminated by AMD. First, we fed water amended with 200 mg/L Zn2+ and 3300 mg/L SO42- at pH 4.9; and after, water with 450 mg/L Fe2+, 100 mg/L Zn2+, 10 mg/L Ni2+, 5 mg/L Cu2+ and 3600 mg/L SO42- at pH 2.5. Biologically produced sulfide and alkalinity were enough to remove both metals and acidity (~99%) from the moderately acidic water, while with the highly acidic water, they resulted in significant removal of the metals reaching up to 87% and 79% of total Fe and Zn, respectively. Furthermore, no inhibitory effect was apparent, as the sulfate reduction rates in the two experiments did not vary significantly (averages close to 0.2 mol/m3-d), despite the much higher acidity and metal load in the second case. Hence, the SDES PRB protected the microbial consortium from metal toxicity and acidity in the long-term, and thus is suitable for remediation of AMD contaminated groundwater with high concentrations of metals, extending the operational range of conventional biological PRBs. Furthermore, an economic evaluation shows that SDES costs can be competitive with the costs of conventional chemical precipitation if the enhanced reactivity that SDES technology offers is realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Schwarz
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil y Centro de Recursos Hídricos para La Agricultura y Minería (CRHIAM), Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Norma Pérez
- Departamento de Acuicultura, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Escuela de Prevención de Riesgos y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
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Schwarz A, Suárez JI, Aybar M, Nancucheo I, Martínez P, Rittmann BE. A membrane-biofilm system for sulfate conversion to elemental sulfur in mining-influenced waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:140088. [PMID: 32559542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A system of two membrane biofilm reactors (MBfRs) was tested for the conversion of sulfate (1.5 g/L) in mining-process water into elemental sulfur (S0) particles. Initially, a H2-based MBfR reduced sulfate to sulfide, and an O2-based MBfR then oxidized sulfide to S0. Later, the two MBfRs were coupled by a recirculation flow. Surface loading, reactor-coupling configuration, and substrate-gas pressure exerted important controls over performance of each MBfR and the coupled system. Continuously recirculating the liquid between the H2-based MBfR and the O2-based MBfR, compared to series operation, avoided the buildup of sulfide and gave overall greater sulfate removal (99% vs 62%) and production of S0 (61% vs 54%). The trade-off was that recirculation coupling demanded greater delivery of H2 and O2 (in air) due to the establishment of a sulfur cycle catalyzed by Sulfurospirillum spp., which had an average abundance of 46% in the H2-based MBfR fibers and 62% in the O2-based MBfR fibers at the end of the experiments. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfovibrio and Desulfomicrobium) and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (Thiofaba, Thiomonas, Acidithiobacillus and Sulfuricurvum) averaged only 22% and 11% in the H2-based MBfR and O2-based MBfR fibers, respectively. Evidence suggests that the undesired Sulfurospirillum species, which reduce S0 to sulfide, can be suppressed by increasing sulfate-surface loading and H2 pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Schwarz
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción 4070386, Chile.
| | - José Ignacio Suárez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Marcelo Aybar
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Iván Nancucheo
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción 4080871, Chile
| | | | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, United States of America
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Suárez JI, Aybar M, Nancucheo I, Poch B, Martínez P, Rittmann BE, Schwarz A. Influence of operating conditions on sulfate reduction from real mining process water by membrane biofilm reactors. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 244:125508. [PMID: 31812042 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Two H2-based membrane biofilm reactor (H2-MBfR) systems, differing in membrane type, were tested for sulfate reduction from a real mining-process water having low alkalinity and high concentrations of dissolved sulfate and calcium. Maximum sulfate reductions were 99%, with an optimum pH range between 8 and 8.5, which minimized any toxic effect of unionized hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and calcite scaling on the fibers and in the biofilm. Although several strategies for control of pH and gas back-diffusion were applied, it was not possible to sustain a high degree of sulfate reduction over the long-term. The most likely cause was precipitation of calcite inside the biofilm and on the surface of fibers, which was shown by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis. Another possible cause was a decline in pH, leading to inhibition by H2S. A H2/CO2 mixture in the gas supply was able to temporarily recover the effectiveness of the reactors and stabilize the pH. Biomolecular analysis showed that the biofilm was comprised of 15-20% SRB, but a great variety of autotrophic and heterotrophic genera, including sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, were present. Results also suggest that the MBfR system can be optimized by improving H2 mass transfer using fibers of higher gas permeability and by feeding a H2/CO2 mixture that is automatically adjusted for pH control.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Suárez
- Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, 4030000, Chile
| | - Marcelo Aybar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, 4030000, Chile
| | - Iván Nancucheo
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, 4030000, Chile
| | - Benjamín Poch
- Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, 4030000, Chile
| | | | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, United States
| | - Alex Schwarz
- Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, 4030000, Chile.
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Evaluation of Dispersed Alkaline Substrate and Diffusive Exchange System Technologies for the Passive Treatment of Copper Mining Acid Drainage. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12030854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The study evaluates the performance of the novel ADES (alkaline diffusive exchange System), SDES (sulfidogenic diffusive exchange system) and DAS (Dispersed Alkaline Substrate) technologies for the passive treatment of high-strength acid mine drainage (AMD) from copper mining (pH~3, 633 mg Cu L−1). The chemical DAS and ADES prototypes showed the best performance in the removal of Cu, Al, and Zn (98–100%), while the biochemical SDES reactors achieved a high sulfate removal rate (average of 0.28 mol m−3 day-1). Notably, the DES technology was effective in protecting the sulfate-reducing communities from the high toxicity of the AMD, and also in maintaining bed permeability, an aspect that was key in the ADES reactor. The DAS reactor showed the highest reactivity, accumulating the metallic precipitates in a lower reactor volume, allowing to conclude that it requires the lowest hydraulic residence time among all the reactors. However, the concentration of precipitates resulted in the formation of a hardpan, which may trigger the need of removing it to avoid compromising the continuity of the treatment process. This study suggests the development of new treatment alternatives by combining the strengths of each technology in combined or serial treatments.
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Wei X, Zhang S, Shimko J, Dengler RW. Mine drainage: Treatment technologies and rare earth elements. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2019; 91:1061-1068. [PMID: 31291681 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The recent research and development on mine drainage published in 2018 was summarized in this annual review. In particular, this review was focused on two main aspects of mine drainage: (a) advances in treatment technologies and (b) rare earth elements in mine drainage and its recovery. The first section covers passive treatment technologies and active treatment options, including physiochemical treatment and biological treatment. The second section includes the characterization of rare earth elements in mine drainage and recovery technologies. Due to the importance of rare earth elements and the growing interest in their recovery from mine drainage, rare earth elements are reported as a separate section for the first time in this review. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Advances in treatment technologies for mine drainage are reviewed. Rare earth elements in mine drainage and its recovery are summarized. Reviewed technologies include passive, active, advanced and novel processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchao Wei
- Department of Physics and Engineering, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Robert W Dengler
- Municipal Services Group, Gannett Fleming, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Naidu G, Ryu S, Thiruvenkatachari R, Choi Y, Jeong S, Vigneswaran S. A critical review on remediation, reuse, and resource recovery from acid mine drainage. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 247:1110-1124. [PMID: 30823340 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a global environmental issue. Conventionally, a number of active and passive remediation approaches are applied to treat and manage AMD. Case studies on remediation approaches applied in actual mining sites such as lime neutralization, bioremediation, wetlands and permeable reactive barriers provide an outlook on actual long-term implications of AMD remediation. Hence, in spite of available remediation approaches, AMD treatment remains a challenge. The need for sustainable AMD treatment approaches has led to much focus on water reuse and resource recovery. This review underscores (i) characteristics and implication of AMD, (ii) remediation approaches in mining sites, (iii) alternative treatment technologies for water reuse, and (iv) resource recovery. Specifically, the role of membrane processes and alternative treatment technologies to produce water for reuse from AMD is highlighted. Although membrane processes are favorable for water reuse, they cannot achieve resource recovery, specifically selective valuable metal recovery. The approach of integrated membrane and conventional treatment processes are especially promising for attaining both water reuse and recovery of resources such as sulfuric acid, metals and rare earth elements. Overall, this review provides insights in establishing reuse and resource recovery as the holistic approach towards sustainable AMD treatment. Finally, integrated technologies that deserve in depth future exploration is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Naidu
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Seongchul Ryu
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ramesh Thiruvenkatachari
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), 1 Technology Court, Pullenvale, Queensland, 4069, Australia
| | - Youngkwon Choi
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sanghyun Jeong
- Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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