Journal of the Korean Geo-Environmental Society ISSN:1598-0820(Print) 2714-1233(Online) 한국지반환경공학회 논문집

This research was conducted to investigate the removal characteristics of heavy metals and sulfate ion from acid mine drainage (AMD) by multi-functional zeolite-slag ceramics (ZS ceramics), in which natural zeolite and converter slag were mixed and calcined at high temperature. The batch test showed that the removal efficiency of heavy metals by pellet-type ZS ceramics increased as the mixing weight ratio of converter slag to natural zeolite increased. The optimal mixing ratio of natural zeolite to converter slag for the removal of heavy metals and sulfate ion from AMD was observed to be 1:2∼1:3. The adequate calcination temperature and time of ZS ceramics for the treatment of AMD were found to be 600∼800℃ and 2 hours, respectively. The removal test of heavy metals and sulfate ion from AMD by the ZS ceramics prepared in optimal condition exhibited very high removal efficiencies close to 100% for all heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) and 77.1% for sulfate ion. The experimental results in this study revealed that the ZS ceramics could function as an effective agent for the treatment of AMD.