Iron Ore Processing Plant Process Water: A Case Study of Treatment by Electrocoagulation (EC)

Release and transport of metal ions from active mines and mineral processing plants to the environment pose a threat to different water bodies. Water originating from mineral processing units contains different types of metal ions (Fe, Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn, Al, etc.), organic compounds, total dissolved solid (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), etc., in high concentrations as major pollutants. Postprocessing, such water is either recycled or stored in tailing ponds after primary treatment. During heavy rain, some of the water overflows the tailing ponds and reaches various surface water bodies such as ponds, rivers, and canals. The release of such metal ion-contaminated water in the surrounding environment seriously affects agriculture and is hazardous for human health due to its consumption through the food chain. Hence, it is essential to develop suitable environmentally friendly and sustainable water treatment methodologies to remove pollutant ions from contaminated groundwater and mineral processing plant.