Azerbaijan Technical University, Baku, Azerbaijan

F. V. Yusubov, Head of Department, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor

Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan
A. N. Suleimanova-Rakhmanly, Senior Lecturer, Suli_ay@mail.ru

Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Baku, Azerbaijan
S. R. Namazova, Lecturer

Increasing anthropogenic impact and growth of environmental risks associated with mining activities escalates the need to introduce effective and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. The aim of this study is to develop and optimize a method for removing toxic heavy metals—arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)—from mine wastewater by adsorption using activated carbon. Laboratory studies were conducted to study the influence of process parameters—pH of the medium, sorbent dose and contact time—on the efficiency of pollutant removal. Based on the obtained data, a mathematical model of mass transfer was constructed taking into account external (in the liquid phase) and internal (in the sorbent pores) diffusion, as well as isothermal adsorption. Verification of the model using experimental data demonstrated its high accuracy and applicability for engineering calculations. The results of numerical modeling show that the initial stage of the process is limited by external diffusion, while at later stages internal diffusion becomes decisive. This allows more accurate prediction of the system behavior under various operating modes and on different scales. The proposed approach can be used in design and optimization of local and industrial treatment plants adapted to variable composition of mine wastewater. Calculation of economic efficiency show that the use of activated carbon provides a high degree of purification at moderate operating costs, which makes the technology attractive for both developing and industrial countries. The developed technique has a high scalability potential and can be applied in international practice within the framework of sustainable water resources management.

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