Study on Chromaticity Removal from Mineral Processing Wastewater with Salicylic Hydroxamic Acid by Granular Activated Carbon Catalyzed Ozonation

Abstract

Salicylic hydroxamic acid is a novel flotation reagent used in mineral processing. However, it impacts the flotation wastewater leaving behind high chromaticity which limits its reuse and affects discharge for mining enterprises. This study researched ozonation catalyzed by the granular activated carbon (GAC) method to treat the chromaticity of the simulated mineral processing wastewater with salicylic hydroxamic acid. The effects of pH value, ozone (O3) concentration, GAC dosage, and reaction time on chromaticity and chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) removal were discussed. The results of individual ozonation experiments showed that the chromaticity removal ratio reached 79% and the effluent chromaticity exceeded the requirement of reuse and discharge when the optimal experimental conditions were pH value 3, ozone concentration 6 mg/L, and reaction time 40 min. The orthogonal experimental results of catalytic ozonation with GAC on chromaticity removal explained that the chromaticity removal ratio could reach 96.36% and the chromaticity of effluent was only 20 when the optimal level of experimental parameters was pH value 2.87, O3 concentration 6 mg/L, GAC dosage 0.06 g/L, reaction time 60 min respectively. The degradation pathway of salicylic hydroxamic acid by ozonation was also considered based on an analysis with ultraviolet absorption spectrum and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).