ABSTRACT

Acid mine drainage (AMD) formation is one of the major environmental problems. It is characterised by high acidity with higher metal concentration. This heavy metal-loaded drainage through rain water, and further seepage, mix to nearby water streams causes environmental risks. It is extremely harmful to the both flora and fauna, including aquatic life as well as wild life. A current clean-up technique uses active and passive treatment systems. But new research is developing to create more efficient eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable treatment technology that needs low operation and maintenance. Biochar, an alternative bio-material, is receiving considerable attention by scientists. Biochar is a low-cost adsorbent that reduces heavy metals and enhances the pH of acid mine drainage. The effective adsorption of metal ions by biochar is attributed to its high surface area and porosity. Biochar works with different mechanisms such as precipitation, complexation, ion exchange, electrostatic interaction and physical sorption, while removal of different heavy metals. Recent studies have explained that biochar is excellent adsorbent of heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni etc. Engineered Biochar modifies the physical and chemical properties of biochar and improves the biochar properties and efficiency. The paper discusses the recent research work and findings of treatment of AMD by different biochar’s. Mechanisms of metal removal and neutralization by biochar are also briefly discussed. Finally, a few recommendations for further research have been made for the efficient treatment of AMD by Biochar. Keywords: Acid Mine Drainage, Adsorption, Biochar, Mining
Publication date: 01/10/2023

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/October/MS_IJBPAS_2023_7485.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.10.7485