Automated station for neutralization of mine and underspoil effluents from heavy metal ions

Abstract

The article describes a technological solution implemented as a fully automated station for neutralization of industrial wastewater that contains heavy metal ions, for example, water generated during mining of non-ferrous metal ores using underground or surface mining systems. This technology makes it possible to purify acidic wastewater from toxic metal ions, e.g. copper, zinc, iron to match the maximum permissible concentrations for fishery water bodies. The essence of the technology consists in saturation of the lime milk fed into the stream of adit effluents with carbon dioxide pumped together with the atmospheric air or produced by combustion of carbon-containing fuels. The presence of carbonate groups facilitates formation of practically insoluble dihydrocarbonates of heavy metals, particularly those of copper.