Mine Effluents and leachets Final report detail report

1. Mine effluents
SUBMITTED BY-
23152007-Avinash Kashyap
23152021-Nitesh Ku. Shah
23152023-Pankaj Kumar
23152032-Soumyadeep Acharya
23152035-Vinay Ku. Singh Vaishya
SUBMITTED TO -
Prof. A.K.Singh
DEPARTMENT OF MINING ENGINEERING

2. Contents
 Introduction
 Classification of effluents
 Sources of effluents
 Effluents in mining industry
 Characterization of effluents in mining industry
 Process of characterization
 Effluent tests-BOD, DO, COD
 Sewage Treatment Plant
 Environmental impact assessment

3. Introduction:
 Effluents are defined as the materials generally discarded from industrial operations
or derived from manufacturing processes into a clean water body or environment.
 Effluents are a large source of environmental pollution.
 Effluents are also known as waste or industrial wastes.
 Effluent comes from the Latin verb effluere, "to flow out".
 Effluent is defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as
"wastewater - treated or untreated that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or
industrial outfall. Generally refers to wastes discharged into surface waters.

4. Classifications of effluents
EFFLUENTS
Based on
physical state
• Solid
• Liquid
• Gases
Based on effects
•Hazardous waste
•Non-hazardous
waste
Based on
degradation
•Biodegradable
•Non-
biodegradable

5. Based on physical state:
1.Solid waste:
Ex: Paper, plastic, wood, cardboard, packaging materials, scrap metal, and every other
solid waste that can no longer fulfill its intended purpose.
2.Liquid waste:
Ex: Dirty water, organic liquids, rinse water, waste detergents, etc.
3.Gaseous waste:
Ex: Flue gas, oxides of sulphur, carbon monoxide, etc.
Based on degradation:
1.Biodegradable wastes:
Some industries such as the paper industry, food industry, sugar industry, wool industry
etc., mostly produce biodegradable industrial wastes.

6. 2.Non-biodegradable wastes:
Ex: Plastics, fly ash, synthetic fibres, silver foil, glass objects, radioactive wastes, etc.
Based on effects:
1.Hazardous waste:
Ex: Radioactive waste, medical waste, electronic waste, etc.
2.Non-hazardous waste:
Ex: Municipal waste, organic waste, etc.

7. Sources of Effluents:
1.Domestic Sources:
Households: Domestic waste water includes water from household activities such as
bathing, washing dishes, and flushing toilets.
2.Industrial Sources:
Manufacturing Industries: Effluents from manufacturing plants can carry pollutants
like chemicals, heavy metals, and solids.
Mining Industries: Mining processes generate wastewater containing minerals and
other contaminants.
Oil and Gas Extraction: Oil refineries and drilling operations release effluents with
hydrocarbons and chemicals.
Service Industries: Effluents from service sectors like laundries, restaurants, and car
washes contribute to pollution.

8. Cont……
3.Agricultural Sources:
Runoff: Agricultural runoff carries fertilizers, pesticides, and soil particles into water
bodies.
Livestock Farms: Animal waste and runoff from farms impact water quality.
4.Nuclear industry
5.Food industry

9. Effluent in the mining industry:
Process Water: Water used in various stages of mining operations, such as ore processing,
washing, and dust suppression, often becomes contaminated with metals, chemicals, and
suspended solids.
Tailings: Waste materials left over after extracting desired minerals from ore. Tailings often
contain leftover chemicals, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): A significant source of pollution, AMD occurs when sulfide
minerals in rocks are exposed to air and water, producing sulfuric acid and dissolved metals.
Wastewater from Equipment Cleaning: Machinery used in mining operations requires
cleaning, which can produce wastewater contaminated with oils, fuels, and heavy metals.

10. Cont……
Stormwater Runoff: Rainwater coming into contact with mining sites can pick up
pollutants from exposed soils, stockpiles, and waste rock.
Leaching: Chemicals used in the extraction process can leach into surrounding soil and
water sources, contaminating them.
Dewatering: Removing water from mines to access minerals can lead to the discharge of
contaminated water.

11. Characterization of effluents in mining industry:
 Heavy Metals:
• Mining activities often involve the extraction of metals such as copper, zinc, lead,
gold, and silver.
• Effluents may contain elevated levels of these heavy metals, which can pose serious
environmental and health risks.
 Acid Mine Drainage (AMD):
• This occurs when sulfide minerals in rock are exposed to air and water, leading to the
formation of sulfuric acid.
• AMD can result in highly acidic effluents that contain metals such as iron, aluminum,
and manganese, along with sulfate ions.

12. Cont……
 Suspended Solids:
• Mining operations generate a significant amount of solid waste, including rock
fragments, tailings (finely ground ore), and other debris.
• These solids can be carried in effluent streams, leading to sedimentation and
turbidity in receiving water bodies.
 Chemical Reagents:
• Various chemicals are used in mining processes to extract and refine minerals. These
may include cyanide for gold extraction, sulfuric acid for leaching copper ores, and
various flocculants and coagulants for water treatment.
• Residual chemicals can end up in effluents if not properly managed.

13. Cont……
 Organic Compounds:
• Some mining processes involve the use of organic compounds such as solvents,
flotation agents, and hydrocarbons.
• Effluents may contain traces of these compounds, which can have adverse effects on
aquatic life and ecosystems.
 Radioactive Materials:
• Certain mining operations, such as uranium mining, can produce effluents containing
radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, and radium.
• Proper management and disposal of these materials are essential to prevent
environmental contamination.

14. Cont……
 Temperature:
• Mining activities can elevate water temperatures in nearby streams and water bodies
due to the discharge of heated water from industrial processes or the removal of
groundwater from mine workings.
 Salinity:
• In some cases, mining effluent can be saline, especially if it comes into contact with
seawater or salt deposits.

15. Process of characterization:
Characterizing mining effluent involves a multi-step process:-
 Source Identification: The first step is to identify all the sources of waste water within
the mine site. This includes mine pit drainage, mill process water, and tailings storage
facilities.
 Sample Collection: Representative samples are collected from each identified source
at designated intervals. Proper sampling procedures ensure the collected sample
accurately reflects the effluent characteristics.

16. Cont......
 Physical Parameters: Basic physical parameters like pH, temperature, total dissolved
solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS) are measured in the samples.
 Chemical Analysis: Chemical analysis is performed to identify and quantify the
presence of various dissolved metals, minerals, and organic compounds. This analysis
helps determine the specific pollutants present in the effluent.
 Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): BOD and
COD tests assess the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose
organic matter in the effluent. High BOD/COD values indicate a high level of organic
pollutants.

17. Effluent tests-BOD, DO, COD:
BOD(Biochemical Oxygen Demand):
 BOD is the traditional, most widely used tests organic matter in wastewater samples
(i.e. relative strength).
 BOD is based on the principle that if sufficient oxygen is available, aerobic biological
decomposition (i.e., stabilization of organic waste) by microorganisms will continue
until all waste is consumed).
 The BOD test is also known as "BOD5" since it is based on the accurate measure of
DO (dissolved oxygen) at the beginning and end of a five-day period in which the
sample is held in dark, incubated condition( 20°C or 68°F).

18. BOD5 = (D1-D2)-(B1-B2)×f
P
where:
• D₁ = oxygen level in the diluted sample initially (mg/l)
• D₂ = oxygen level in the diluted sample after 5 days (mg/l)
• B₁ = oxygen level in the dilution water initially (mg/l)
• B2 = oxygen level in the dilution water after 5 days (mg/l)
• V₁ = volume of wastewater sampled for dilution (ml)
• V₂ = total volume of the diluted sample (ml)
• f = dilution factor (V2-V1)/V2
• P = proportion of the sample in the diluted mixture = V1 /V2

19. DO(Dissolved Oxygen):
 As the name implies, a DO test measures the quantity of oxygen dissolved in a water
or waste water sample.
 DO measurement most often takes place using an electronic meter fitted with a
specialized DO probe.
 The concentration of DO in a water sample significantly influenced by:-
-Temperature: As water temperature increases, DO decreases (i.e., as water gets
warmer, it holds less oxygen).
- Salinity: As water salinity increases, DO decreases (Less water gets saltier, it holds
less oxygen).
-Atmospheric Pressure: As pressure increases, DO also increases (i.e., water holds
less oxygen as you increase altitude).

20. COD(Chemical Oxygen Demand):
 COD is the measure of amount of oxygen required to oxidize all organic and inorganic
compound present in water sample .
 COD is the most popular alternative test to BOD for establishing the concentration of
organic matter in waste water samples.
 The COD test only takes a few hours to complete, giving it a major advantage over
the 5-day BOD test.
 COD can test waste water that is too toxic for the BOD test.
 The COD test should be considered an independent measure of the organic matter in
a waste water sample rather than a substitute for the BOD test.

21. COD(Chemical Oxygen Demand):
COD= (V1-V2)*(Normality of FAS solution*8000)
Volume of water sample taken
• Where:
( V1 ) = Volume of ferrous ammonium sulfate (FAS) for the blank sample (in mL)
( V2 ) = Volume of FAS for the sample (in mL)
( N ) = Normality of FAS
Sample volume = Volume of the water sample (in mL)

22. Sewage Treatment Plants
 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in mining operations are facilities designed to
treat wastewater generated from various activities within the mining site.
 Its purpose is to remove contaminants and pollutants from the sewage before it is
discharged into the environment.
 Components of an STP
1.Inlet works
Where sewage enters the treatment plant and undergoes initial screening to
remove large debris such as rocks, sticks, and other solid objects.

23. 2.Primary treatment:
Involves the removal of settleable solids through processes like sedimentation or flotation,
which separate solids from the liquid portion of the sewage.
3.Secondary treatment:
A biological process that uses microorganisms to break down organic matter in the sewage
into simpler, more stable substances. This step reduces the organic content of the sewage
and improves its quality.
4.Tertiary treatment:
A final treatment step that further purifies the sewage to meet specific effluent standards.
This may include processes like filtration, disinfection, or nutrient removal.

24. EFFLUENT TREATMENT PLANT
An Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) is a process designed to treat industrial wastewater
for reuse or safe disposal into the environment. Here are the key points about ETP:
Purpose:
1.Clean industry effluent and recycle it for further use.
2.Reduce the usage of fresh/potable water in industries.
3.Cut expenditure on water procurement.
4.Meet environmental standards set by the government and avoid penalties.
5.Safeguard the environment against pollution.

25. Treatment Levels
1.Preliminary Treatment:
• Processes:
• Screening: Removes large solids using a screen with uniform openings.
• Sedimentation: Settles suspended solids from water by gravity.
• Clarification: Separates solids from fluids.
2.Primary Treatment
• Processes:
• Physical and Chemical Methods: Includes pH control and coagulation.
• pH Control: Adjusts the pH to make wastewater neutral using substances like NaOH or
HCl.
• Chemical Coagulation and Flocculation: Uses chemicals like alum to form larger
particles from fine particles, which then settle out.

26.  3.Secondary Treatment:
• Activated Sludge Process: Microorganisms consume organic pollutants in an aeration
tank.
• Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR): Employs plastic media to support the growth of
biofilm.
 4.Tertiary (Advanced) Treatment
• Advanced Oxidation Processes: Break down complex chemicals.
• Filtration: Removes remaining suspended particles.
• Disinfection: Typically involves chlorination or ultraviolet light to kill any remaining
pathogens.

27. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that evaluates the
environmental, social, and economic impact of a project before a decision is
made. The EIA process for mining focuses on the impact of mine development
and operations on water resources.
The EIA process includes the following stages:
•Environmental screening
•Scoping
•Impact assessment and mitigation
•Impact management
•EIA report
•Review and licensing
•Monitoring

28. EIA For Effluents
1. Water Pollution: Effluents can contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and
arsenic, as well as other pollutants like sulfates and nitrates. These can contaminate
water bodies, affecting aquatic life and potentially harming human health if the water is
used for drinking or irrigation.
2. Soil Contamination: Runoff from mining activities can carry pollutants into the soil,
affecting its quality and fertility. This can disrupt ecosystems and impact vegetation
growth.
3. Air Pollution: Some mining effluents, such as dust and particulate matter, can
contribute to air pollution. This can affect air quality and potentially lead to respiratory
issues for nearby communities.

29. 4. Ecosystem Disruption: Effluent discharge can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, leading to
the loss of biodiversity and impacting fish populations. This disruption can have
cascading effects on other wildlife and ecosystem services .
5. Acid Mine Drainage: Mining activities can expose sulfur-bearing rocks to air and
water, leading to the formation of acid mine drainage. This acidic water can leach heavy
metals from rocks, further contaminating water bodies and soils.
6. Social Impacts: Environmental degradation caused by mining effluents can impact
local communities that depend on the affected ecosystems for their livelihoods, leading
to social unrest and conflicts.
7. Long-term Environmental Legacy: Some mining effluents can persist in the
environment for a long time, leading to long-term environmental impacts that can
persist even after mining activities have ceased.

30. Mine Effluents Mitigations Plan
1.Effluent Treatment: Implementing effective treatment technologies to remove
pollutants from mining effluents before discharge. This can include physical, chemical,
and biological treatment processes.
2. Effluent Recycling and Reuse: Implementing systems to recycle and reuse treated
effluents within the mining operation, reducing the volume of effluents discharged into
the environment.
3. Effluent Storage and Management: Properly managing and storing effluents to prevent
leaks, spills, and accidental releases into the environment.
4. Waste Minimization: Implementing practices to minimize the generation of waste and
effluents from mining operations, such as optimizing processes and using cleaner
production technologies.

31. 5. Environmental Management System (EMS): Implementing an EMS, such as ISO 14001,
to ensure that environmental impacts are systematically identified, managed, and
improved over time.
6. Compliance and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with relevant
environmental regulations and standards, and implementing measures to meet or exceed
these requirements.
7. Closure and Rehabilitation Planning: Developing a plan for the closure and rehabilitation
of mining sites to minimize long-term environmental impacts and ensure the site is
returned to a safe and sustainable condition.
8. Research and Innovation: Investing in research and innovation to develop new
technologies and practices for mitigating the environmental impact of mining effluents.