Integrated removal of inorganic contaminants from acid mine drainage using BOF slag, lime, soda ash and reverse osmosis (RO): Implication for the production of drinking water

Abstract

This study evaluated the interaction of acid mine drainage (AMD) with Basic Oxygen (BOF) slag. The reaction proved that pH = 10, and 99% metals removal and 75% removal were achieved. Sulphate concentration was reduced from 18000 to 4000 mg/L another purification technology. Hardness was reduced using lime and Reverse Osmosis (RO) was used to further clean the water to drinking standard. A single two element RO system was simulated in Reverse Osmosis System Analysis (ROSA). The produced water complied with the South African National Standard (SANS) 241 Drinking Water Specifications.