The use of flocculants to control turbidity in placer mining effluents

Abstract

In this study, two placer mine discharge waters of different characteristics were tested in order to determine the applicability of organic polymer flocculants to achieve reduced levels of turbidity. The water samples from both mines were characterized both as to their chemical and physical properties. The jar test was employed to establish the optimum operation conditions of the flocculation process. The best results were obtained employing a cationic polymer Superfloc 340 produced by American Cyanamid Company. The optimum dosage for water samples from both mines were 15 ppm and 40 ppm respectively. Optimum agitation time was within the range of 3 to 9 minutes depending on the agitation rate and the pulp density of water sample. The utilization of settling ponds, in conjunction with flocculation is believed to be a practical method to control the turbidity level of placer mine discharge water.