Characterization and treatability of drainage water formed in underground mine galleries

Mining is one of the industrial activities that mankind cannot give up. In this activity, drainage waters are formed and cause widespread water pollution. Different technologies and options can be applied to prevent water pollution. In this study, the characterization and treatability of the drainage water formed in a mine where gold, silver, lead, zinc underground quarry activities were carried out were studied. Wastewater samples taken in certain periods has been characterized by considering the relevant sector parameters. SS, COD, and free sulfur parameters were above the receiving environment discharge standards. In order to meet these parameters to the discharge standards of the receiving environment, the optimum pH and coagulant dose were determined by applying the jar test. pH was determined as 9.00, 8.00, and 4.00 for aluminum sulphate, ferric sulphate, and anionic polymer, respectively. After then, the optimum coagulant concentrations obtained as 15.0, 25.0, 0.160 mg/L at optimum pH of each one, respectively. Generally, the best removal efficiencies were obtained by reducing the SS, COD, and free sulfur values when the aluminum sulphate coagulant is used. When compared in terms of coast, the application of anionic polymer coagulant was considered to be more economically advantageous. According to the results of the treatability study, a treatment system flow chart was proposed for the drainage wastewater formed in the mine and sizing calculations were given. As a result of the study, when the characteristics of the wastewater generated according to the type of geological formations and operating technology in the region are evaluated, it is concluded that it is not a very problematic in terms of environment standards in the receiving environment with a partially simple treatment process.