Abstract
In Asturias (north of Spain), mercury mining has been identified as a potential source of trace elements such as As, Sb, Pb, and Hg. In particular, at Los Rueldos mine site, some of these contaminants are dissolved in acidic mine drainage (AMD). Here we treated this leachate by means of nanofiltration to remove some of its pollutants. In order to improve our understanding of the geochemical factors involved in nanofiltration, we analyzed sediment geochemistry and the origin of acidic waters. In coherence with the observation of similar behaviors of As, Fe, and Al in the nanofiltration tests, a clear geochemical association between As, Sb, S, and Fe both in sediments and in the occurrence of AMD was detected. The FILMTEC™ NF-2540 membrane used in this study proved to be highly suitable for the treatment and concentration of the metallic and semimetallic contaminants in the acidic water, even at low pH and moderate pressures.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.