Pilot experiment for heavy metals removal from synthetic acid solutions

Wastewater from mineral processing contains high concentrations of heavy metals that cause serious environmental issues. In order to treat that type of wastewater variety of technologies can be applied that present both advantages and limitations related to their efficiency, installation and maintenance costs. Adsorption proved to be an eco friendly method, especially when using adsorbent materials that require
minimal processing such as vegetable waste or their by-products. In the majority of cases, the adsorption efficiency is influenced by the complexity of the system to be treated. Further improvements of the adsorption process-based technologies can contribute to the efficient treatment of wastewater containing high concentrations of heavy metals. In the present study, a pilot installation was developed in which shredded maize stalk up to 1 mm have been used in adsorption process for treatment of synthetic acid water
that simulates mine water. The experiments were performed at the laboratory level.