Adsorption of arsenic from underground mine water in in situ conditions - Zlata Idka location

Mine waters (acidic and alkaline) flowing from abandoned mine workings are one of the main causes of surface and groundwater pollution. Several research works were carried out at the Zlata Idka location, including works to verify the waterworks technology for removing Sb and As from water, as well as research on the health status of the inhabitants in relation to the anomalous geochemical environment. The subject of the presented work was to reduce the concentration of arsenic from the flowing mine water by flowing through the columns with a flow regulated by peristaltic pumps and then through filter bands by self-fall in in situ conditions. Adsorption in situ tests have so far demonstrated that the filter filling consisting of zeolite and terra rosa is not capable of reducing the concentration of arsenic below the required limit value at the given mine water flow rate. The effectiveness of the filter vessel is mainly affected by the change in the pH value and oxidation-reduction conditions in the flowing underground mine water. In the next steps, the authors will therefore focus on the use of passive cleaning options - a set of dewatering containers adapted for the formation of Fe precipitates, taking into account the amount and flow rate of the mine water flowing out and the seasonally changing indicators of the mine water. (authors)