Developing the Biosorption Process for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Remediation

Abstract

Sargassum seaweed biomass is capable of selectively removing Cu²⁺ from water containing Fe²⁺ in the pH range of pH (3-5). The seaweed can bind up to a maximum of 80 mg of Cu per g of biomass (dry weight by ion exchange. Copper bound to the biosorbent can be desorbed by an acidic wash and the biosorbent can be reused. A flow-through biosorption column packed with Sargassum biomass was used to continuously remove Cu²⁺ from an aqueous feed. The effect of the presence of Fe²⁺ in water on the equilibrium uptake of Cu²⁺ by Sargassum was examined at pH 3.7. The potential for the biosorption process using Sargassum biomass to treat AMD treatment systems was discussed. Total capital and operating costs associated with the biosorption process were outlined.