Metals and metalloids removal from mine water using natural and modified heulandite

Abstract

The paper represents the results of batch experiments on the extraction of As, Sb, Zn, and Cu from real acidic and alkaline drainage solutions using natural and modified MnO2 heulandite [AlSi3O8]2×Ca(H2O)5. It was found that the modified zeolite is effective for removal As and Sb, but it is necessary to take into account the possibility of Mn releasing into the solution after interaction with acid drainage. For Zn removing from acid drainage solutions, the modified zeolite is not suitable. Both samples of heulandite effectively remove arsenic from the acidic solution as opposed to the alkaline solution. Perhaps this is due to the presence in the acid solution of a large amount of iron and aluminum, which during neutralization form hydroxides, contributing to additional sorption of the elements.