Freeze purification of mine-impacted water: laboratory study and mathematical modeling

The project is dedicated to the investigation and testing of environment-friendly, energy-efficient freezing technology for the remediation of mine-impacted water. This technology could be beneficial and economically feasible for the regions with cold weather conditions and vulnerable to anthropogenic impact. The primary research objectives of current project are to continue and advance laboratory experiments started by Core Geoscience Services Inc. on the removal of impurities from mine-impacted water through cryopurification and to develop and validate a mathematical model that integrates the main physical and chemical mechanisms of ice formation process and mine-impacted water species removal. The outcomes of the project are planned to form a foundation for the development of a water treatment technology that utilizes northern climates’ cold temperature conditions and has the potential to be scaled up and applied at mine sites, or industrial sites, in the following years.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ajay Ray

Student:

Daria Popugaeva

Partner:

Core Geoscience Services Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Western University