Optimization of Copper Sorption by Zeolite Filter Using Lab Studies and Numerical Modeling

As a result of mining activities in Sungun copper mine at the north of Iran acid mine drainage enters into Pakhirchay river a subbasin of Aras borderline river. In this study using laboratory and modeling studies, optimal method is provided for treating acid mine drainage. First dynamics laboratory model was employed to evaluate zeolite efficiency to remove the copper and then using a static tests the maximum absorption potential was estimated 2.85 mg/L. Thus a zeolite filter with a length of 250 m was considered for removal of copper from the acidic drainage. For simulation copper ion transport HYDRUS 2D model was employed to investigate behavior of contaminants in porous media with a body of zeolite and also evaluate efficiency of zeolite on reducing of copper concentration under various scenarios. First scenario showed for the present condition of the drainage zeolite will decrease Cu concentration down to sub-standard copper concentration (5 mg/L) for two months. In the second scenario, as the worst case scenario, it was assumed that the concentration of copper ion increase 50% of the initial value. The model revealed that filter is able to keep the copper level below the standard level only for a month. Finally, under the last scenario and also the most optimistic one that the entering copper is ceased a month after the implementation of the model, zeolite filter will absorb copper ions for two months, without needing to change the filter material.