Effective and simultaneous removal of heavy metals and neutralization of acid mine drainage using an attapulgite-soda residue based adsorbent

Abstract

Implementing an economical and effective measure for treating acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines using low-cost restoration reagents present a significant challenge. In this study, natural attapulgite (AT) and soda residue (SR) composite particles (AT-SR) were firstly prepared and utilized in AMD treatment. The efficiencies and mechanisms of AT-SR composites for regulating acidity and removing metals in AMD, the critical factors influencing the treatment efficiencies, and the regeneration performance and environmental risk were investigated. It is illustrated that AT and SR quality ratio of 5:5, dosage of 0.5 g L−1, particle size < 1.5 mm, concentrations of 150 mg L−1 for Fe, 75 mg L−1 for Mn and 100 mg L−1 for Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, and adsorption time of 120 min were the optimized conditions. The maximum adsorption capacities of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb under single metal scenarios were 51.61, 22.30, 37.05, 40.21, 37.39 and 49.53 mg g−1, respectively. Under the mixed metal scenarios, competitive adsorption was predominated with the rate constants in the reducing order of 3.169 for Fe > 0.841 for Cu > 0.657 for Pb > 0.083 for Zn > 0.024 for Cd > 0.006 for Mn. The experimental data was fitted well with the pseudo-second-order and the Freundlich isotherm models. AT-SR is an outstanding neutralizer for AMD due to its richness in calcium and magnesium oxides and the spent AT-SR composites could be easily regenerated while maintaining high metal removal efficiencies under the subsequent usages. It is determined under the aqua regia digestion and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) tests that AT-SR can be used safely without posing environmental risks, thus promoting the resource recovery and utilization of soda residue and providing a green and effective method for treating AMD.