Tailings wastewater is the wastewater generated in the mining process, which causes great harm to the environment and ecosystem due to its large amount of heavy metal ions, suspended solids and chemicals. Therefore, the treatment of tailings wastewater is an indispensable part of the mining process. This article will introduce the treatment methods of tailings wastewater, aiming to provide some practical suggestions and references for relevant enterprises and practitioners.
The main goal of tailings wastewater treatment is to remove harmful substances from wastewater and reduce harm to the environment and ecosystems, while achieving reuse or safe discharge of wastewater. At present, the treatment methods of tailings wastewater mainly include the following:
1.Natural purification.
Natural purification is a method that uses nature's self-purification capabilities to treat tailings wastewater. The method mainly includes natural purification processes such as precipitation, redox and adsorption. The advantages of the natural purification method are low cost and easy operation, but the treatment effect is unstable and susceptible to environmental factors.
2.Physical Law.
The physical method is a method of treating tailings wastewater by physical means. Common physical methods include filtration, sedimentation, air flotation, etc. The advantage of the physical method is that the treatment effect is stable, but the equipment investment and maintenance cost is high, and it is easy to produce secondary pollution.
3.Chemical method.
The chemical method is a method of treating tailings wastewater through chemical reactions. Common chemical methods include neutralization, precipitation, redox, etc. The advantage of the chemical method is that the treatment effect is remarkable, but the cost of the agent is high, and secondary pollution may occur.
4.Biological law.
The biological method is a method of treating tailings wastewater through the metabolic action of microorganisms. Common biological methods include activated sludge method, biofilm method, etc. The advantage of the biological method is that the treatment effect is good, but the treatment cycle is long and good microbial culture conditions are required.
In practical application, according to the characteristics and treatment requirements of tailings wastewater, one or more treatment methods can be selected to combine to achieve the best treatment effect. In addition, in order to improve the treatment effect of tailings wastewater and reduce the treatment cost, some new treatment technologies can also be adopted, such as electrochemical method, photocatalytic method, membrane separation method, etc.
In conclusion, the treatment of tailings wastewater is an indispensable part of the mining process. In order to protect the environment and ecosystem, relevant enterprises and practitioners should strengthen the treatment and management of tailings wastewater, choose appropriate treatment methods and technologies, improve treatment effects and reduce treatment costs, and realize the reuse or safe discharge of wastewater. At the same time, the relevant departments should also strengthen supervision and policy guidance, promote enterprises to actively fulfill their environmental responsibilities, and promote the sustainable development of the mining industry.