Mechanisms of nickel and zinc removal in oxic limestone systems and the application to metal mine drainages

Andy Miller, Linda Figueroa, Tom Wildeman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Limestone systems are generally used for acid neutralization of mining impacted waters. However they can also be designed to remove heavy metal constituents. The issues surrounding the design of a limestone system for metal removal are different from the issues involved in acid neutralization. Experiments were carried out to explore these issues by evaluating the interaction of CaCO3 with solutions containing a primary metal (Fe, Al), and a secondary metal (Zn, Ni). The fate of the secondary metals and their removal as a function of pH, alkalinity, and primary metal concentration are reported. Although these parameters by themselves are not necessarily good indicators of secondary metal removal, when coupled with the influent primary:secondary metal ratio, trends become apparent that can be used as design parameters. Zinc and Ni removals appear to be a function of Fe+3 concentrations and removals are shown to be as high as 97% and 87%, respectively, at near neutral pH values. The removal reaches a saturation point at an Fe:Zn ratio of 50:1, and for Ni the saturation ratio is 45:1 Zinc and Ni removals with Al gave ambiguous results.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication7th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage 2006, ICARD - Also Serves as the 23rd Annual Meetings of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation
PublisherAmerican Society of Mining and Reclamation
Pages1302-1313
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9781622760855
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event7th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage 2006, ICARD 2006, Also Serves as the 23rd Annual Meetings of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation - St. Louis, MO, United States
Duration: Mar 26 2006Mar 30 2006

Publication series

Name7th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage 2006, ICARD - Also Serves as the 23rd Annual Meetings of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation
Volume2

Other

Other7th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage 2006, ICARD 2006, Also Serves as the 23rd Annual Meetings of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySt. Louis, MO
Period3/26/063/30/06

Keywords

  • Co-precipitation
  • Heavy metals
  • Limestone drains
  • Sorption

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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