Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Small-Scale Gold Processing in Baguio Mining District, Philippines

Small-scale mining in the Philippines lacks research and technologies for application of an inexpensive environmentally sound treatment its wastewaters. Hence, laboratory-scale fixed-bed column tests were carried out to test evaluate sorbent adsorption performance Philippine Natural Bentonite (PNB) Zeolite (PNZ) against heavy metals present ball mill facilities within Baguio Mining District. Results showed that removal percentages PNB PNZ terms lead (Pb) concentrations are 50.43% 26.90%, respectively. Moreover, dynamic uptake capacity maximum values greater than sorption models, Bohart-Adams, Wolborska, Thomas, Yoon-Nelson displayed good fit breakthrough curves. Furthermore, varying flow rate bed height manifested increase yields a lesser saturation time while rise increases capacity, time, percentage system. Regarding cost efficiencies sorbents, study revealed is more cost-efficient since only 1.13 pesos required remove gram Pb compared PNZ, which costs 3.5 pesos. Therefore, this concluded could be better cost-efficiency. The recommends further regeneration studies reusability sorbents after exhaustion hopes will springboard environmental studies.