Potential Use of Incineration Fly Ash as a Sustainable Low Cost Material for Heavy Metals Removal from Acid Mine Drainage

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential use of MSW incineration fly ash as an economic material for the removal of heavy metals (Pb, Mn, Fe, and Cu) from AMD. Batch adsorption experiment was conducted to examine the effects of pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time on metal ions removal in synthetic AMD using MSW incineration fly ash. Precipitation of calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide was used for comparison with MSW incineration fly ash by adjusting the pH (5 ~ 11) by coagulation method with 20 min reaction time. Comparing the application of Ca(OH)2 and Na(OH), fly ash proves more efficient which may be due to its porosity and chemical composition. The results from adsorption studies showed that maximum adsorption rate was achieved at 0.4g dose when various fly ash dosages were added to the solution with 60 min optimum time and removal efficiency of heavy metals was over 96%. The effectiveness of fly ash can be related to its high calcium (CaO 55%) content. Efficiency of heavy metals removal was directly linked to the amount of fly ash in the reaction mixture and to the final pH attained. pH plays a significant role in heavy metal uptake. The main removal mechanism was adsorption at the surface of the fly ash together with the precipitation and co- precipitation from the solution with chemicals. Therefore the use of MSW incineration fly ash for treatment of AMD would represent a new market opportunity for this waste product. It can also be useful for neutralizing AMD and possibly reduce its adverse effects to the environment with efficient removal of metal ions from AMD.