Removal of Manganese from Mine Drainages by the Passive Slag Reactor and Active Treatment System: Proposals for the Design of Treatment Facilities

Abstract

Although Mn frequently exceeds the effluent standard in South Korea, only active treatment facilities were applied to remove Mn because it was difficult to be removed by passive treatment. Because a slag reactor that removes Mn by passive treatment is being designed, design factors were proposed by relevant studies. The factors include differences in hydraulic head, the composition of substrate, variations in treatment efficiency, and the residence time. Moreover , the required pH decreases by the coprecipitation and sorption of Mn by Fe and Al hydroxides in active treatment facilities. To design efficient active treatment facilities considering the necessity of a pH readjustment tank, a relationship between the required pH and the concentrations of Fe, Al, and Mn was also proposed from relevant studies.