Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Preparation of Expanded Chitin Foams and their Use in the Removal of Aqueous Copper
Published on: February 27, 2021
Reduction of acidity and removal of metal ions from coal mining effluents using chitosan microspheres
Rogério Laus1, Reginaldo Geremias, Helder L Vasconcelos
1Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Abstract:
Effluents from coal mining operations are not only highly acid but also depict elevated concentrations of metals which may contaminate the environment. Due to the polybasic characteristic of chitosan, this biopolymer is capable of both neutralizing and removing iron, aluminum and copper ions from such effluents. The present study aimed at evaluating the use of chitosan microspheres for their importance in continuous systems. The microspheres were prepared by the phase inversion method. Their average diameter and morphology were determined. Water samples from decantation pool (DP) and acidic mine drainage (AMD) effluents were treated using different amounts of microspheres. The pH and concentration of Fe, Al and Cu ions were evaluated both before and after treatment of effluent samples. The results revealed that the microspheres were capable of increasing the pH of DP and AMD samples from 2.34 and 2.58, respectively, to 6.20, i.e., close to neutrality. The treatment also resulted in full removal of the metals investigated.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Extraction: Advanced Methods
Microbial Leaching
Microbial Corrosion
Acid Mine Drainage
Coagulation
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium

