Published in Journal of Young Scientist, Vol.I
Written by Gianina DAMIAN, Simona VARVARA, Roxana BOSTAN
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a widespread environmental problem associated with both working and abandoned mining operations, because it generates acidic solutions containing toxic heavy metal ions, such as Fe2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, which are not biodegradable and tends to accumulate in living organisms causing various diseases. The present study aimed at evaluating the possibility of using two low-cost sorbents, i.e. zeolite volcanic tuff from Rupea (Brasov County, Romania) and peat from “Poiana Stampei” (Suceava County, Romania) in the removal process of the heavy metals (Fe, Zn and Mn) from AMD generated at the abandoned mining perimeter of “Larga de Sus” from Zlatna (Alba County, Romania). The composition of the acid mine drainage from “Larga de Sus” Mine before and after the treatment with natural sorbents was determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The removal efficiency of Fe, Zn and Mn from AMD was determined at different doses and grain sizes of the natural zeolite and peat. The preliminary results showed that both sorbents can be used as a low cost alternative in the treatment of AMD.
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