Retention Time and Substrate Composition in Artificial Wetlands in Iron and Copper Removal from Acid Mine Drainage

Authors

Licapa-Redolfo, Gladys Sandi

Farfán Chilicaus, Gary Christiam

Escalante Zumaeta, Berardo

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine the influence of retention time and substrate composition in the removal of iron and copper from acid mine drainage in artificial wetlands. The study was conducted in three phases: field, laboratory and cabinet. In the field phase pilot plant scale and batch process, two sets of artificial wetlands with the following characteristics: 1.08m long, 0.72 m wide and 1.00 m deep, were constructed. Gravel of 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and material support for the roots of the reeds (Scirpus californicus), was used. The acid mine drainage was subjected to treatment for 48 hours, taking samples every 12 hours to determine the concentration of iron and copper by atomic absorption method. After treatment, the substrate composed by 80% of cow dung and 20% of moss and sawdust (1: 1) removed 97.66% iron and 90.12% copper in the retention time of 48 hours.