(185a) Recent Trends in the Removal of Sulfate through Precipitation

Removal of Sulfate through Precipitation

Many mines have very high sulfate concentrations in their waste water due to the sulfides in the ore.  Considerable research has been performed to determine methods for removal of the sulfates.  The most common method used to date is by chemical precipitation.  The author has worked on a pilot plant that used nano-filtration that enabled using precipitation on waters with fairly low sulfate concentrations.

A recent trend in wastewater permitting is to require effluent that meets potable water guidelines.  These specifications include maximum concentration levels for sulfate and chloride.  What has been learned in the mining industry can help other industries meet these new guidelines.