Abstract
This paper investigates an alternative use of sterile aggregate materials which may arise from various construction applications in conjunction with other low-cost mineral raw materials to remediate the acid mine drainage phenomenon. This study is based on the combination of unprocessed mineral raw materials, as well as on the basic concept of the cyclic economy where the conversion of a waste into a raw material for another application can be achieved. In this study, in order to examine the remediation, in lab scale, of the drainage waste water of Agios Philippos mine, an experimental electrically continuous flow-driven forced device was constructed, enriching the research gap relative to this type of remediation approach. Through this experimental device, the use of certain mixes of mineral raw materials (serpentinite, andesite, magnesite, peat, and biochar) was studied. Our results focus on the impact of the studied mineral raw materials and especially on their synergy on the water purification potential under continuous water flow operation. Using the new 7-day experimental electrically continuous flow-driven forced device with certain mixes of mineral raw materials, the increase of pH values from 3.00 to 6.82 was achieved. Moreover, with use of the experimental device, the removal of toxic load was achieved, and more specifically the concentration of Fe was decreased from 6149 to 1300 ppb, Cu from 8847 to 35 ppb, and Zn from 285,458 to 50,000 ppb.
Highlights
Environmental pollution caused by toxic heavy metals constitutes a significant problem in our modern society and water pollution due to the disposal of heavy metals is a great concern worldwide
Heavy metal pollution occurs in much industrial waste water such as that produced by metal plating facilities, mining operations, battery manufacturing processes, production of paints and pigments, as well as ceramic and glass industries
The sterile materials obtained from the Los Angeles (LA) and uniaxial compressive strength tests (UCS) which were calculated in order to be related to the mechanical strength of the produced concretes, from one selected Mg-rich ultramafic sample, as well as one Pliocene volcanic rock were used [20,21]
Summary
Environmental pollution caused by toxic heavy metals constitutes a significant problem in our modern society and water pollution due to the disposal of heavy metals is a great concern worldwide. The open pits are filled with re-ascending groundwater or rainwater, which flush the acid solutions and the metals from the dumps into the lake water. This results in severe acidification of these lakes (pH 2–3) and high sulfate and heavy metal concentrations. Heavy metal pollution occurs in much industrial waste water such as that produced by metal plating facilities, mining operations, battery manufacturing processes, production of paints and pigments, as well as ceramic and glass industries This waste water commonly includes Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr [10]
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