ABSTRACT
The development of studies and projects for the recovery of aquatic environments is of fundamental importance to understanding the mechanisms of diffusion of pollutants, such as toxic metals, thus providing the identification of pollution sources and the degree of extension of these pollutants. This work aimed at evaluating the role of aquatic sediments in the diffusion of heavy metals originating from acid mine drainage coal and proposing technical treatment of the extracted material by means of acid and alkaline leaching. The removal percentage of metals adsorbed on sediment grains and their interstitial water by acid leaching was higher, reaching values around 0.3% for iron and 1.8% for manganese.
Keywords:
metals; sediment; treatment