Extraction of andradite from flotation tailings as a potential material for As(III) removal from simulated wastewater

Abstract

Arsenic is a toxic and carcinogenic metalloid widely distributed in nature. It can enter water bodies through natural or man-made routes, posing a serious threat to the ecological environment and human health. In recent years, arsenic pollution in water has become a global problem. This study introduces the utilization of andradite from scheelite flotation tailings as a potential material for As(III) removal. The experimental results showed that after 30 min of milling, 5 g/L andradite achieved a removal rate of over 90 % for As(III), reducing its concentration from 1 mg/L to 0.09 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were carried to reveal the underlying mechanism of As(III) removal with andradite. Results indicated that the calcium atom and iron atom on the surface of andradite may react with As(III) to form calcium arsenite and ferric arsenite, and the products adhere to the surface of andradite. Based on the obtained results, andradite is a promising material for the remediation of arsenic pollution. Moreover, the source of andradite is very wide, and the cost of extraction and preparation is low. The extraction of andradite from non-ferrous metal flotation tailings as an adsorbent to remove As(III) not only improves the utilization rate of tailings resources, but also provides a new method for the prevention and control of arsenic pollution.