Adsorption of Thiosulphate, Trithionate, Tetrathionate Using Biomass Ash/Char

Publication date: Available online 7 August 2018Source: Journal of Environmental Chemical EngineeringAuthor(s): Bhagya M.K. Range, Kelly A. HawboldtAbstractAsh from combustion of biomass represents a disposal challenge for pulp and paper mills and therefore studied as potential adsorbent to treat industrial waste streams (e.g. metals, sulfate). Thiosalts are common, with sulfate, in sulphide ore mining effluents, but recalcitrant to traditional treatment. Ash from three different sources was assessed for adsorption of thiosalts, adsorbent capacities varied from 24-48 mg thiosalt/g ash (~32% removed). Low pH favoured adsorption while temperature had little effect. The work demonstrates that ash could be a low cost thiosalt adsorbent and control pH. Given the affinity for thiosalts, the ash could potentially remove selenium from mining effluents.
Source: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering - Category: Chemistry Source Type: research