Integration and modification of anionic exchange process for mine water treatment in cold climates

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The Centre Technologique des Résidus Industriels (CTRI) affiliated to the College of Abitibi Témiscamingue collaborates with Aldex Chemicals inc. to modify and integrate innovative anionic exchange resin with a potential to treat problematic anion contamination (e.g. sulfate) in mine effluents in cold temperature. This proposed project is seen as a continuity for the Engage Grants funded by NSERC (536694-18). The results of the engage project obviously showed that anion exchange resin was a viable treatment option for mine effluent for the removal of sulfate and the performance of resin at lower temperature and pH was proved. However, the regeneration process and the management of regeneration solution were the most challenging issues in this project. Modification of regeneration procedure as well as the pre-treatment of competitive anions such as thiocyanate, nitrates, etc. are proposed. In this context, this ARD level II project aims to reply to raised challenges discussed above. This proposed project is divided into three distinct parts: Part 1 will involve running experiments to identify the problematic anions in order to optimize the regeneration process and the management of the regeneration solution, Part 2 covers the modification, and installation of a prototype filtration and column unit at lab scale to resemble the industrial process. In this phase biological anions pre-treatment process could be joint with column. The results of the second phase will be used in part 3 for economical assessment of fully operational anion exchange process. This project builds a foundation for long-term collaboration with Aldex and secure their position as the provider of new technologies in the mine marketplace. The project is critical to the validation and subsequent commercialization of Aldex technology for treating mine effluent in Quebec and Canada and will, at the same time, offers to CTRI an opportunity to enhance expertise in this research field. CTRI has the expertise and material resources to successfully accomplish this project.