Application of Membrane Processes for Mine Water Treatment

Mine water poses a significant environmental challenge, particularly in coal mining, where various hydrochemical processes influence water quality. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of membrane processes, specifically electrodialysis, for treating mine water. Laboratory-scale tests were conducted using an EDR-Z/10-0.8 device, focusing on identifying operational parameters for optimal desalination. The research involved two phases: first, to determine the specifications necessary for achieving maximum desalination efficiency. Results demonstrated that electrodialysis can effectively remove up to 90% of contaminants from mine water. The second phase concentrated on minimizing waste products resulting from the electrodialysis process, achieving a reduction in concentrate flow from 50% to just 1% of the total feed water volume. These findings indicate the potential of membrane technologies to significantly enhance the quality of treated mine water while reducing chemical usage and energy demands, presenting a sustainable alternative to conventional treatment methods.