The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the potential ability of nano-scale zerovalent
iron (nZVI) to remediate multiple metal contaminants, specifically in the context of mine
tailings. The project began by adopting techniques reported on by investigators researching the
remediation effectiveness on metal contaminants of nZVI within the framework of civil
engineering applications, such as groundwater treatment (Karabelli et al, 2008). This phase of the
project saw the treatment of laboratory prepared samples of copper contaminated waters (at 10,
30, 50 and 100 ppm) by the addition of unstabilized nZVI. Results showed that all but the 100
ppm samples were effectively cleared of nearly all metal contamination following treatment
additions of 1 mL nZVI to 50 mL of sample water. The second phase of the project sought to
expand on this success by subjecting laboratory prepared water samples containing multiple metal
contaminants to the same dose on nZVI. A collection of metal contaminants, known as the Arctic
Suite, containing arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, nickel, lead and zinc, was made up as
contaminated waters (at 1, 3, 5, and 10 ppm concentrations) and was tested for nZVI remediation.
Results showed that only the 10 ppm samples were not effectively remediated and furthermore
showed preferential treatment of arsenic, chromium and lead instead of an even distribution of
treatment amongst all metal contaminants present. The final phase of the project saw the testing
of contaminated waters produced from five mine tailings, acquired from separate sources, by the
same dose of nZVI as in the first two phases of the project. Results showed that where
contaminant metals were present some remediation effect did occur. However, an inability to
produce highly contaminated leachates from the mine tailings meant that no trends in nZVI
remediation effectiveness could be determined with any certainty. / Thesis (Master, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-09-01 11:04:28.869
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/6700 |
| Date | 02 September 2011 |
| Creators | Snyder, James E. |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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