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Limestone Neutralisation of Arsenic-Rich Effluent from a Gold Mine

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An Erratum to this article was published on 25 April 2008

Abstract

Traditionally acid mine water is neutralised with lime. Limestone is a cheaper alternative for such applications. A case study showed that limestone can be used effectively to replace lime for the neutralization of arsenic rich acid water. The cost of limestone treatment is 45.8% less than that of lime. The acidity can be removed from 33.5 to 0.06 g/L (as CaCO3). The study also showed no significant differences in the TCLP characteristics of the resultant sludge when water is treated with lime or with limestone. Sludge from the limestone treatment process can be disposed of on a non-hazardous landfill site.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR, Natural Resources and the Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

    M. de Beer, J. Maree, N. Mbhele, M. Phalanndwa & O. Novhe

  2. North-West University, CRCED Pretoria, Suite 91, Private Bag X30, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa

    M. de Beer, E. H. Mathews & D. Krueger

Authors
  1. M. de Beer
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  2. E. H. Mathews
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  3. D. Krueger
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  4. J. Maree
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  5. N. Mbhele
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  6. M. Phalanndwa
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  7. O. Novhe
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. H. Mathews.

Additional information

An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10230-008-0043-7

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de Beer, M., Mathews, E.H., Krueger, D. et al. Limestone Neutralisation of Arsenic-Rich Effluent from a Gold Mine. Mine Water Environ 27, 46–51 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-007-0023-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-007-0023-3

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