离子型稀土矿区氨氮污染及其治理研究进展

Review on Ammonia−Nitrogen Pollution and its Management in Ionic Rare Earth Mining Area

  • 摘要: 离子型稀土矿的开采主要采用原地浸矿工艺,大量高浓度硫酸铵浸矿剂的使用带来一系列环境问题,使得矿区及其周边地区的土壤和水体遭受严重的氨氮污染。文章综述了离子型稀土矿区氨氮污染的来源与危害,包括土壤氨氮含量超标、酸化、变质以及水体氨氮含量超标、水资源功能受损等;介绍了氨氮的赋存状态(水溶态、固定态和离子交换态)及迁移转化规律;系统梳理了多种氨氮污染治理技术,如矿区水体氨氮污染治理的异养硝化-好氧反硝化工艺(HN−AD)和微藻处理方法,矿区土壤氨氮污染治理的矿物材料修复法和化学淋洗法等。本文通过研究现状的综述,旨在寻找到合适的解决方案,治理稀土尾矿对土壤及水体的氨氮污染,从而降低其对自然环境的危害。

     

    Abstract: Ion−adsorption rare earth ores, an important source of rare earth elements, are used in a wide range of applications. The in−situ leaching process is the primary method for extracting ionic rare earth minerals. In this process, high concentrations of ammonium sulphate are used as the leaching agent to extract rare earth elements. However, the extensive use of high concentration ammonium sulfate leaching agents has led to a number of environmental problems, resulting in severe ammonia nitrogen pollution in the soil and water bodies in and around the mining areas. This contamination not only disrupts the local ecological environment but also poses a potential threat to the surrounding ecosystems and the living conditions of the residents. This review summarizes the sources and detrimental effects of ammonia nitrogen pollution within ion−adsorption rare earth mining regions. Elevated ammonia nitrogen (NH4+−N) concentrations in soils not only diminish soil fertility but also potentially initiate soil acidification and degradation processes. Furthermore, excess ammonia nitrogen in aquatic systems compromises the functionality of water resources, thereby contaminating water bodies and reducing their suitability for agricultural irrigation, industrial applications, and domestic consumption. The article further elucidates the occurrence of ammonia nitrogen in the mining environment, including its aqueous, fixed, and ion−exchangeable states. These three states of existence dictate the migration and transformation patterns of ammonia nitrogen within the environment. Aqueous ammonia nitrogen is prone to migration via water flow, thereby increasing the extent of contamination. Fixed ammonia nitrogen, conversely, exhibits relative stability, although it may be released under specific conditions. Ion−exchangeable ammonia nitrogen can undergo displacement reactions with other ions through ion exchange, consequently influencing its behavior and distribution within the environment. To effectively address ammonia nitrogen pollution in ionic rare earth mining areas, this paper systematically reviews various remediation technologies. Regarding the treatment of ammonia nitrogen pollution in mine water bodies, heterotrophic nitrification−aerobic denitrification (HN−AD) processes and microalgae treatment methods are introduced. The HN−AD process is a highly efficient biological treatment technology that utilizes microbial activity to convert ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas, thereby achieving ammonia nitrogen removal. Microalgae treatment methods leverage the absorption and utilization capabilities of microalgae for ammonia nitrogen, converting it into biomass through photosynthesis, while also generating oxygen to improve the water environment. For the remediation of ammonia nitrogen pollution in mine soils, mineral material remediation and chemical leaching methods are presented. Mineral material remediation involves the addition of specific mineral materials, utilizing their adsorption and ion exchange properties to immobilize ammonia nitrogen in the soil, thereby reducing its mobility. Chemical leaching involves the use of chemical leaching agents to dissolve and elute ammonia nitrogen from the soil, thereby achieving soil purification. Through this comprehensive review of the current state of research, this paper aims to identify suitable solutions for the remediation of ammonia nitrogen pollution in the soil and water from rare earth tailings, thereby mitigating their adverse impacts on the natural environment.

     

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