Fe and Mn removal from mining drainage using goaf filling materials obtained from coal mining process

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry
• Water Treatment

Background:

• Mining drainage poses environmental challenges due to high iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations.
• Coal gangue, sandy soil, and clay are abundant mining byproducts with potential for environmental remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of goaf filling materials (coal gangue, sandy soil, clay) for removing Fe and Mn from mining drainage.
• To determine the optimal conditions and economic viability of using these materials for wastewater treatment.

Main Methods:

• Adsorption kinetic studies were conducted to model Fe and Mn removal.
• Desorption experiments assessed the stability of the removed metals.
• Continuous flow experiments simulated real-world application conditions.

Main Results:

• Adsorption kinetics for Fe and Mn showed high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.99).
• Goaf filling materials exhibited low desorption capacity and ratio for both Fe and Mn.
• Stable removal of Fe and Mn was achieved under specific flow rates, concentrations, and pH conditions.
• Effluent quality met national standards for sewage regeneration.
• Real-world application demonstrated a cost-effective treatment at approximately 0.55 RMB per ton of mining drainage.

Conclusions:

• Goaf filling materials are a highly effective and stable medium for removing Fe and Mn from mining drainage.
• The application of these materials presents a sustainable and economically beneficial solution for coal mining wastewater treatment.
• This approach contributes to environmental protection and resource utilization in the mining industry.