Implementation of an MgO-based metal removal step in the passive treatment system of Shilbottle, UK: Column experiments

Abstract

Three laboratory column experiments were performed to test the suitability of two different MgO-rich reagents for removal of Mn and Al from the out-flowing waters of Shilbottle passive treatment system (Northumberland, UK). The input water was doped with 100 mg/L Zn in order to extrapolate results to waters in sulphide mining districts. One column was filled with a Dispersed Alkaline Substrate (DAS) containing 12.5% (v/v) caustic magnesia precipitator dust (CMPD) from Spain mixed with wood shavings, two columns were filled with DAS containing wood shavings and 12.5% or 25% (v/v), respectively, of dolomitic lime precipitator dust (DLPD) from Thrislington, UK. The two columns containing 12.5% of CMPD or DLPD completely removed the contaminants from the inflow water during the first 6 weeks of the experiment (mean removal of 88 mg/L Al, 96 mg/L Zn and 37 mg/L Mn), operating at an acidity load of 140 g acidity/m 2 day. At this moment, a substantial increase of the Al and Mn water concentration in the out-flowing waters of Shilbottle occurred (430 g acidity/m 2 day), leading to passivation of the reactive material and to the development of preferential flow paths within less than another 6 weeks, probably mainly due to Al precipitates. Al should be removed prior to MgO treatment.