Innovation in Acid Mine Drainage Remediation using Coffee Waste Biochar in Michiquillay, 2025

Gomez Gonzales R.B.J.; Camino Romero M.J.; Licapa-Redolfo G.S. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/leird2025.1.1.753

Resumen

This study evaluated the efficiency of coffee biochar activated with caustic potash (KOH) in removing metals present in acid mine drainage (AMD) from Michiquillay, Cajamarca. The tests were carried out using 250 mL of AMD, with three doses of biochar (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g) and sampling every 15 minutes until completing 60 minutes of treatment. The experiments were carried out in triplicate and included a control without biochar, in order to guarantee the validity of the results and rule out processes unrelated to removal. The analyses showed that biochar increased the pH of the DAM from 4.77 to 7.14, favoring the neutralization of acidity. In terms of metal removal, percentages of 90.91% for copper, 96.03% for iron, and 87.44% for zinc were achieved. These findings prove the high efficiency of this activated agro-industrial waste, capable of significantly reducing the concentration of contaminants and complying with the Environmental Quality Standards (ECA) established in Peru. © LEIRD 2025.All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte