Removal of Fluoride Ions from the Mine Water

Abstract

Murmansk Region is home to some major mining and mineral sites. One of the most challenging environmental problems in the mining industry is mine water treatment. For example, the rocks of the deposit operated by Lovozero Mining and Mineral Processing Company contain villiomite (NaF). It is highly soluble in water, and the mine waters at the site have a high content of fluoride ions – significantly above the maximum permissible values. Lab-scale experiments were conducted to test various reagents and different initial concentrations of fluoride ions in the treatment of model solutions and mine water. Depending on the initial concentrations, magnesium and calcium-containing sorbents are proposed for the defluorization of water. Using scanning electron microscopy and microprobe analysis, it was found that fluorine can be bound in poorly soluble compounds, such as, for example, fluorite. Pilot trials are planned.