A Field Study on the Application of Pilot-scale Vertical Flow Reactor System into the Removal of Fe, As and Mn in Mine Drainage

This study aimed to monitor a pilot-scale vertical flow reactor (VFR) system being operated in long-term for water quality control of pH-neutral mine drainage containing Fe, Mn and As, discharged in D mine site. The treatment systems of VFR and zero manganese reactor (ZMR) consisted of sand/limestone, and steel slag/limestone, respectively. The systems were operated during about six months in order to evaluate their long-term treatment efficiency It was observed that both pH and alkalinity of mine drainage were remarkably increased and more than 98% of Fe, As and Mn ions was continuously removed during the tested period of time. In conclusion, the field results of this work demonstrated that the vertical flow reactor system can effectively treat mine drainage contaminated by Fe, As and Mn.