Reverse Osmosis Separation of Metal Ions in Acid Mine-Water

Abstract

Cellulose acetate membranes obtained from Osmonics Inc. were characterized in terms of pure water permeability constant, solute transport parameter, and mass transfer coefficient with the reference system of aqueous sodium chloride solution. Reverse osmosis separation behavior of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Al, and Fe as nitrate, chloride, and sulfate salts was studied. The effect of the addition of sodium sulfate to Mg(ClO₄)₂ and Mn(NO₃)₂ solutions on solute separation was also investigated. Acid mine-water obtained from New Brunswick was subjected to reverse osmosis, and separation of metal ions in the range of 95 to 99 % was obtained along with the recovery of product water of suitable quality for use in recycle operations.