Lime treatment

BioteQ has extensive experience with the design, construction, and operation of lime treatment plants to remove residual metals from water. Click here to see our Case Studies.

In lime treatment, lime (Ca(OH)2) is added to contaminated water. The dissolved metals precipitate into solids, forming a metal-laden sludge. The treated water is separated from the sludge; the sludge is typically stored in large sludge ponds.

Although very common in the mining industry, the disadvantage of this treatment method is that the sludge can create a waste disposal problem, and possibly an ongoing environmental liability (depending on the type of metals in the sludge). Because the sludge contains the residual metals from the water, it requires careful storage and management to prevent the metals from re-dissolving and re-entering the environment.

This method is most suited for waters that contain high levels of iron or aluminium, as these metals are relatively benign and do not usually pose a threat to human health.

Applications:

Mining Power Generation
  • Groundwater and surface water drainage
  • Acid mine drainage
  • Metallurgical bleed streams
  • Tailings water treatment
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    Our experienced team of water treatment experts will customize a solution to meet your treatment objectives. 

    Contact us to discuss your water treatment alternatives.