Optimization of Zinc Leaching Parameters and Arsenic Removal from Lead Smelting Residues in Acidic Medium Using Ferrous Ion and Potassium Permanganate

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Mining Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran

2 Department of Mining Engineering,, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnique)

Abstract

This research investigates and optimizes the zinc recovery process from pyrometallurgical residue of a Kaldo lead smelting furnace in Zanjan province. Chemical analysis revealed that the waste contains 14.7% zinc and 4% arsenic. The primary objectives of this study are to recover zinc as a valuable metal and manage arsenic as a hazardous contaminant. To achieve these goals, an acidic leaching method was examined. Under optimal conditions (0.75 M concentration, 75°C temperature, 60-minute duration, and a 6:1 liquid-to-solid ratio), acidic leaching with sulfuric acid resulted in 97-99% zinc recovery and 50% arsenic extraction. These results demonstrate the high efficiency of the acidic leaching method in extracting zinc from the waste. For arsenic removal from the leaching solution, a precipitation method using ferrous sulfate and various oxidants was studied. Among the oxidants examined, potassium permanganate showed the best performance with a 99.94% efficiency under optimal conditions (5:1 ferrous sulfate to potassium permanganate ratio, 60-minute duration, ambient temperature, and pH 4.5). The combination of acidic leaching and arsenic precipitation processes provides an effective approach for selective zinc extraction and arsenic removal. This combined method not only enables high-purity zinc recovery but also contributes to reducing environmental pollution caused by arsenic. This study marks a significant step in developing efficient and sustainable methods for metal recovery from industrial waste and can serve as a model for similar projects in the metallurgical industry.

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Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 September 2024

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