Removal of Zinc and Copper in Acidic Waters from Mine Tailings Using an Eggshell Biofilter

Licapa-Redolfo G.S.; Chilicaus G.C.F.; Poma P.C.; Licapa-Redolfo R. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2023) · DOI: 10.18687/leird2023.1.1.218

Resumen

This study evaluates the efficiency of copper and zinc removal in acidic waters using biofilters made from eggshells. Seepage samples of mine tailings were collected in Hualgayoc. The work follows a quantitative approach, is based on an experimental design, with the purpose of seeking sustainable alternatives for the protection of the environment and the mitigation of environmental damage. The results obtained, thanks to chemical and physical analyses, demonstrated the ability of these bioadsorbents to retain heavy metals from discharges. In the case of zinc, a higher percentage of removal was achieved, 66.3%, using the 50-mesh through eggshell biofilter at six hours, while the lowest percentage was 26.5%. On the other hand, the removal of copper presented high values in the two filters, being the most efficient at six hours with 50 mesh through eggshell, with a removal of 84.8%. The lowest percentage of copper removal was 60.9%, achieved with the 12 mesh through eggshell biofilter after two hours. The results confirm that the biofilters used were effective in reducing the concentration from 0.98 mg/L to 0.29 mg/L of Zn and 1.84 mg/L to 0.28 mg/L of Cu in the acid water samples from the mine tailings.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo; Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga; Universidad Privada del Norte