Sequestration and Stabilization of Mercury from Gold Processing Streams

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal that poses serious public health and environmental problems. Mercury contamination in gold ore processing tailings can arise from its natural occurrence in gold ores and subsequent dissolution during cyanidation. In this research, the performance of Fe-Al bimetallic material, synthesized using an optimized electrochemical method, has been examined for the removal of Hg from simulated and real gold processing wastewaters, as well as acid mine drainage.