Dynamic removal of metallic multi-pollutants using complex mineral media

Aiming at the in-situ remediation of groundwater pollution caused by the leachate of a polymetallic mine tailings in Guangxi, dynamic adsorption experiments of multi-pollutants Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+ and CrO2- 4 were conducted by using vermiculite, CTAB-modified vermiculite and hematite as composite PRB media. The removal of pollutants by different assembly of the three mineral materials were investigated. The results showed that the assembly method affected the pH value of the system and the removal of the multi-pollutants. The pollutants removal mechanism was investigated based on the characterization of the composite mineral media before and after dynamic adsorption. Hematite removes the pollutants mainly by surface adsorption, while vermiculite and CTAB modified vermiculite remove the pollutants mainly through ion exchange, and surface adsorption also plays a role. The results laid an important foundation for the practical use of this composite mineral media for the in situ remediation of heavy metal contaminated groundwater.