Assessing the Impact of Gold Mining on the Quality of Water Resources in the Commune of Meguet, Burkina Faso

Despite its often illegal nature, artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso contributes to the economic and social development of the country. However, the rudimentary techniques used in gold panning have a significant impact on the environment due to inappropriate practices and the use of various chemical substances. This study aims to assess the impact of artisanal gold mining on the quality of water resources in a rural community at Méguet, Burkina Faso. To this end, surface and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed at the BUMIGEB laboratory. Field results show that the waters are slightly alkaline (6.97 < pH < 8.1), weakly mineralized and conductive (124 < EC < 543 μS/cm), with temperatures ranging from 24.6˚C to 31.6˚C. In addition, trace metals (TMEs) analyzed from surface and subsurface waters show very high levels, generally deviating from the levels recommended by WHO guidelines for Burkina Faso. Trace metals contamination of water resources in the commune of Méguet is mainly due to Fe (3.78 - 11.12 mg/kg), Hg (0.03 - 0.29 mg/kg), As (0.01- 6.31 mg/kg) and Pb (0.01 - 3.8 mg/kg). This study can serve as a basis for guiding national environmental policies to protect the water resources of the Méguet mine.

Modelling the water diversion of a sustainable cover system under humid climates

Extreme rainfall significantly threatens the safety of the landfill cover system,especially under humid climates.This study aims to provide design recommendations for a sustainable landfill cover system consisting of a low-permeability soil layer underlying a two-layer capillary barrier for humid climates.First,the numerical back-analysis was conducted for verification against a series of flume model tests.Then,a parametric study was performed to investigate the effects of inclination angle,particle size and layer thickness on the lateral diversion length(DL)of the three-layer cover system under the 100-year return period rainfall of humid climates.The results show that the water lateral DL of the cover system can be greatly enhanced by increasing the inclination angle from 3°to 18°.Moreover,the bottom layer of the cover system with a coarser d10 was more susceptible to the impact of the heavy rainfall,while this can be alleviated by increasing the thickness of the bottom layer.A dimensionless number,defined as the ratio of thickness and d_(10) of the bottom layer,is proposed for designing lateral diversion of the three-layer cover system under humid climates.To preserve the maximum DL,it is suggested that the proposed dimensionless number should be larger than 95 and 110 for the design of rainfall events with 50-year and 100-year return periods for humid climates,respectively.

Development and Application of Water Quality Index (WQI) for the Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical Quality of Groundwater in Gold Mining Areas of Southeastern Senegal

Water is the most essential requirement for life. It provides a variety of purposes such as a source of water supply for drinking, domestic and industrial use, irrigated agriculture, livestock, and mining activities. Evaluating the status of water quality from traditional approaches does not guarantee the whole overview of the water quality situation. Therefore, developing a tool that can convert multiple parameters data into information that is understandable by both technical and non-technical personnel is vital. In this context, the purpose of this paper was to develop, calculate, and apply a water quality index for assessing the suitability (for drinking purposes) of groundwater in the gold mining areas in south-eastern Senegal. The development of this index based on WHO water quality guidelines followed the five standards steps i.e., parameters selection, sub-index formation, parameters weighting and sub-index aggregation and evaluation. Finally, the WQI summarized twelve key water quality parameters into 05 simple terms (excellent, good, medium, poor, and very poor) which is more relevant for reporting to managers and the public in a consistent manner. Thus, it was observed in the study area, that the water quality indexes in artisanal and industrial mining areas are either poor or very poor while in the reference stations (where there are no mining activities) WQI are either good or excellent. This situation was attributed to the effects of mining activities in such zones which contribute to the pollution of groundwater with heavy metals, nitrates, and suspended solids.

Industrial utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings as pellet prepared by straight grate process

The utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings is an urgent issue faced by gold production companies worldwide.The thermodynamic analysis results indicate that ferrous arsenate(FeAsO_(4)),pyrite(FeS_(2))and sodium cyanide(NaCN)in the arsenic-containing gold metallurgical tailings can be effectively removed using straight grate process,and the removal of pyrite and sodium cyanide is basically completed during the preheating stage,while the removal of ferrous arsenate requires the roasting stage.The pellets undergo a transformation from magnetite to hematite during the preheating process,and are solidified through micro-crystalline bonding and high-temperature recrystallization of hematite(Fe_(2)O_(3))during the roasting process.Ultimately,pellets with removal rates of 80.77% for arsenic,88.78% for sulfur,and 99.88% for cyanide are obtained,as well as the iron content is 61.1% and the compressive strength is 3071 N,meeting the requirements for blast furnace burden.This study provides an industrially feasible method for treating arsenic-containing gold smelting tailings,benefiting gold production enterprises.

Implications of de Facto Reuse on Future Regulatory Developments for Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority in Okatie, South Carolina, USA

A significant portion of the national water supply can be attributed to de facto or unplanned potable reuse, though the extent of its contribution is difficult to estimate. Fortunately, the contribution of Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) effluent to waters that supply drinking water treatment plants has been documented by some communities. In the United States (US), among the top 25 most impacted drinking water treatment plants by upstream WRRF, 16% of the influent flow to the drinking water treatment plant under average streamflow and up to 100% under low-flow conditions is WRRF effluent. Currently, the full extent of de facto reuse in the US may be much higher because of population growth. The scenario is no different for Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) in South Carolina, US, with contributions to the Savannah River originating from numerous WRRF and other upstream dischargers. South Carolina coastal utilities such as BJSWA are considering direct and indirect potable reuse options, driven by disposal limitations and challenges. Currently, South Carolina does not have a framework, guidelines, or regulations for reuse, but discussions have started among the regulated community. In addition to understanding the extent of de facto reuse, the state will need to develop standards and best practices to enable future adoption of planned potable reuse solutions to water resources challenges. Such guidance should address human health risk management and technical considerations regarding treatment in addition to other factors, including source control, storage, fail-safe operation, monitoring, non-cost factors, and public acceptance. This study conducted a mapping assessment specific to BJWSA, sampled at four locations on Savannah River, and observed that de facto reuse is approximately 4.6% to 5.9% during low-flow months and is within the range generally observed nationwide. When coupled with evidence that planned potable reuse can improve human health and environmental risks, this practice is a meaningful option in the water supply portfolio for many utilities.

Innovative Technologies for Large-Scale Water Production in Arid Regions: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Water scarcity in arid regions poses significant challenges to sustainable development and human well-being. This article explores both existing and innovative technologies and methods to produce large amounts of water to address these challenges effectively. Key approaches include atmospheric water generation, advanced desalination techniques, innovative water collection methods such as fog nets and dew harvesting, geothermal water extraction, and water recycling and reuse. Each method is evaluated for its feasibility with existing technology, potential time of implementation, required investments, and specific challenges. By leveraging these technologies and combining them into a multifaceted water management strategy, it is possible to enhance water security, support agricultural and industrial activities, and improve living conditions in arid regions. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sector entities, and research institutions are crucial to advancing these technologies and ensuring their sustainable implementation. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of these technologies, their potential for large-scale application, and recommendations for future research and development.

The Impact of Inoculum Preparation Media on Pollutant Removal through Phycoremediation of Agricultural Drainage Water by Desmodesmus sp.

Water is the most essential natural resource for the future development.Agriculture production is extensively water-dependent and a significant polluter of water resources.So,this work investigated the effect of two different preparation media[Bold’s Basal Medium(BBM)and Domiati cheese whey(DCW)]for agricultural drainage water(ADW)remediation.All treatments were incubated for 6 days.According to the results of biomass productivity,specific growth rate,photosynthetic pigments,and biochemical composition,Desmodesmus sp.can grow in drainage water without dilution.The two treatments significantly reduced the concentration of nitrate,phosphate,chemical oxygen demand,and sodium in ADW.Finally,using cheese whey with BBM as inoculum preparation media enhanced the lipid accumulation in the algal biomass(25.4%w/w)and gave the best biodiesel properties among treatments.Therefore,combining remediation of drainage water with microalgae mass production can achieve the sustainability of agriculture.

Experimental Evaluating of the Physical, Mechanical and Durability Properties of Natural, Recycled and Both Combined Aggregates Based Concretes

This experimental study aims at the reuse of recycled aggregates (RA), resulting from the demolition of concrete, cement block and cement mortar, in the manufacture of common construction in Burkina Faso. The RA can readily replace natural aggregates in concrete. Then five formulations of natural and recycled aggregates based concrete for characteristic strength of 25 Mpa were prepared in addition to the natural aggregates base concrete named reference concrete (BN): two types of recycled aggregates concrete (BR), three types of recycles and natural combined aggregates base concrete (BC). The properties of natural and recycled aggregates were characterized and the physical, mechanical strength and durability properties were also evaluated for all concrete specimens. All the studied concrete formulation present a density between 2000 kg/m3 ≤ ρ ≥ 2600 kg/m3 and an average slump of 4.9 ± 0.1 cm. The obtained results indicate that the recycled aggregates are suitable for current concrete. Two out of the five combinations studied, such as the natural (BN) and combined aggregate (BC2) based concretes satisfy the mechanical characteristics (Rc28 > 25 MPa) at 28 days of age and an average absorption coefficient of 2.93% and 3.98%. The recycled aggregate based concrete (BR1, BR2) and combined aggregate based concrete (BC1), gave respective average compressive strength of 21.55 MPa, 20.50 MPa and 20.30 MPa, i.e. a difference of 13.80% to 18.80% under the characteristic strength (25 MPa) aimed at 28 days of age. Thus, the recycled aggregates are in conformity with the normative prescriptions and their use for standard concrete gives adequate physical, mechanical and durability properties for the production of the C20/25 concrete series in the common civil engineering applications.

Synthesis and Scheduling of Optimal Batch Water-recycle Networks

This work develops an optimization-based methodology for the design and scheduling of batch water recycle networks. This task requires the identification of network configuration, fresh-water usage, recycle assignments from sources to sinks, wastewater discharge, and a scheduling scheme. A new source-tank-sink representation is developed to allow for storage and dispatch tanks. The problem is solved in stages by first eliminating scheduling constraints and determining minimum usage of fresh water and wastewater discharge. An iterative procedure is formulated to minimize the total annual cost of the system by trading off capital versus operating costs. The work overcomes limitations in previous literature work including restricted recycle within the same cycle, lumped balances that may not lead to feasible solutions, and unrealistic objective functions. A case study is solved to illustrate the usefulness of the devised procedure.

Selective synthesis of carbon monoxide via formates in reverse water–gas shift reaction over alumina-supported gold catalyst

Thermal decomposition of formic acid on SiO2, CeO2 and γ-Al2O3 was studied as an elementary step of reverse water–gas shit reaction（RWGS） over supported Au catalysts. γ-Al2O3 showed the highest CO selectivity among the tested oxides in the decomposition of formic acid. Infrared spectroscopy showed the formation of four formate species on γ-Al2O3： three η~1-type and one μ~2-type species, and these formates decomposed to CO at 473 K or higher. Au-loaded γ-Al2O3 samples were prepared by a depositionprecipitation method and used as catalysts for RWGS. The supported Au catalyst gave CO with high selectivity over 99% from CO2 and H2, which is attributed to the formation of formates on Au and subsequent decomposition to CO on γ-Al2O3.

Water-Rock Interactions and Chemical Composi-tional Variations During Ductile Deformation ofthe NW-Striking Shear Zone in the Jiapigou Gold Belt, China

Two kinds of mylonite series rocks, felsic and mafic, have been recognized in the NW-striking shear zone of the Jiapigou gold belt. During ductile deformation, a large amount of fluid interacted intensively with the mylonite series rocks: plagioclases were sericitized and the An values declined rapidly, finally all of them were trans formed to albites; dark minerals were gradually replaced by chlorites （mostly ripidolite）. Meanwhile, large-scale and extensive carbonation also took place, and the carbonatization minerals varied from calcite to dolomite and ankerite with the development of deformation. The δ13C values of the carbonates are - 3. 0‰--5. 6‰ suggesting a deep source of carbon. The ductile deformation is nearly an iso-volume one （fv=1）. With the enhancement of shear deformation, SiO2 in the two mylonite series rocks was depleted, while volatile components such as CO2 and H2O, and some ore-forming elements such as Au and S were obviously enriched. But it is noted that the enrichment of An in both the mylonite series rocks did not reach the paygrade of gold. The released SiO2 from water-rock interactions occurred in the form of colloids and absorbed gold in the fluid. When brittle structures were formed locally in the ductile shear zone, the ore-forming fluids migrated to the structures along micro fractures, and precipitated auriferous quartz because of reduction of pressure and temperature. Fluid inclusion study shows that the temperature and pressure of the ore-forming fluids are 245-292℃ and 95.4-131. 7MPa respectively; the salinity is 12. 88-16. 33 wt% NaCl; the fluid-phase is rich in Ca2+, K+, Na+, Mg2+, F- and Cl-, while the gaseous phases are rich in CO2 and CH4. The δDand δ18 O values of the ore-forming fluid are - 84. 48‰- - 91. 73‰ and - 0. 247‰-+2.715‰ respectively, suggesting that the fluid is composed predominantly of meteoric water.

EXPERIMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY STUDY ON GOLD IN WATER-ROCK REACTION UNDER THERMAL FLUID SYSTEM AT MESO-LOW TEMPERATURE

Based on the knowing geochemical characteristics of wall rock in the Mobin gold deposit and composition of fluid inclusion in ore,water rock experiments were carried out, important achievements are acquired as following: Gold is mainly derived from the ore bearing wall rock,i.e., a series of epimetamorphic clastic gritstone, sandy slate, and tuffaceous slate in the Wuqiang Banxi Formation, Wuqiangxi Group. In thermal system with middle low temperature chlorine gold may be derived form stable complex ions, so it is quite important in gold metallogenic process. Sulphur and chlorine perform as the major negative ions throughout the gold activation and migration movement. The concentration of sulphur and chlorine ions, pH value and temperature are of deciding significance for gold activation, migration and precipitation.

Hydrological analysis of Kuroshio water intrusion into the South China Sea

Using CFD and ADCP data collected by four research vessels from both sides of the Taiwan Strait in the northeastern area of the forth China Sea in August - September 1994 and incorporating with CTD data collected in the same area in March 1992 and some historical hydrologic data, the water features and the intrusion of Kuroshio water into the South China Sea are discussed, which shows that the water mass distribution in the survey period was similar to that in the cruise of late winter and early spring (March 1992), that is, the water structure in the northeast of the sea and in the Northwest Pacific had their own independent features of temperature and salinity. Though the intrusion of Kuroshio water into the sea was found, it was very weak. Therefore there would be no direct Kuroshio branch into the sea in the late summer and early autumn. Even the Kuroshio water intrusion from the Bashi Channel into the Taiwan Strait, its influence was also very weak. Analysis of isopycnic surface and geretrophic current and the Observed ADCP data show that there was a rather strong northward flow in the southeast pat of the survey area which flowed northward along the west coast of Philippines, rounded the northwest corner of Luzon Island and then flowed northeastward. Some kind of mixing with Kuroshio water was shown in the Bashi Channel. The water mass was obviously of high temperature and low salinity in winter and comparatively low temperature and low salinity in summer.

Analysis on the Interaction of Parameters of Single-contaminant Regeneration Recycling Water Systems

Method for constructing the optimal water supply line and formulas for calculating the targets for single-contaminant regeneration recycling water systems are improved to apply to the situation of variational pararneters in this article. Based on these extending methods, the effect of varying freshwater consumption and regenerated water flow rate on the optimizing results are investigated. The interactions of parameters of regeneration recycling systems are summarized. Finally, all the conclusions are illustrated from the results of mathematical programming through an example.

Modelling and development of recycled water conditioning of copper-molybdenum ores processing

Current use of enrichment and processing technologies of ores requires the introduction of closed circuits of water treatment. A decrease in technological properties is caused by accumulations of ion-molecular components in the circulating water. The objective of the simulation is to determine the maximum allowable concentrations of ions and molecules as well as the choice of conditions for deposition or adsorption.First of all, our examinations decrease the concentration of copper ions and fatty acids in the circulating water. By pre-mixing water with the highest concentration of these ions, a reduction of copper ion and fatty acid concentrations in the recycled water occurs. The results do not only ensure the achievement of the maximum permitted concentration(MPC) of copper and iron, significantly reducing the amount of oxidized copper, they also make it possible to use the united sewage as current water for the flotation process. Mixing and adding filtrate of tailings, discharges of urban wastewater treatment and effluent of ash pit of thermal power stations(TPS) to recycled water causes an increase in the capacity of the enrichment plant by 15–17%.

Enhanced treatment of water with low turbidity:Combined effects of permanganate, PAM and recycled sludge

The effectiveness of enhancing treatment of water with low turbidity through combined effects of permanganate oxidation, PAM aiding coagulation and sludge recycling was investigated through continuous bench scale studies. In comparing with ferric chloride coagulation, only recycling sedimentation sludge was ineffective in enhancing treatment of water with low turbidity. PAM with recycled sludge showed positive effects, and the additional permanganate dosing exhibited the best potential of favoring coagulation, which leaded to much lower effluent turbidity and CODMa. Additionally, it was observed that the optimal permanganate dosage was 0. 4 mg/ L and the higher permanganate dosage exhibited inhibiting effects for pollutants removal. SEM analysis indicated that the floes were loosely formed and the particle diameter was critically low for ferric chloride coagulation process. Comparatively, the addition of PAM and permanganate with recycled sludge facilitated the aggregation of tinny particles onto compact PAM polymer chains, therefore contributing to the formation of compact floes with high particle diameter. The combined employment of recycled sludge, PAM and permanganate showed the best potential of favoring coagulation, mainly through synergistic effects between seeding, polymer bridging and increasing effective collision in mechanism. Additionally, the variation of Fe and Mn concentration after recycling and sedimentating units was studied for the processes, and the main species was also investigated for elements Fe and Mn. Sludge recycling and permanganate addition did not increase Fe and Mn concentration in the sedimented water.

Efficient heavy metal recycling and water reuse from industrial wastewater using new reusable and inexpensive polyphenylene sulfide derivatives

Heavy metal(HM)pollution is a serious environment problem.Recovering HM from industrial wastewater by efficient adsorbents is a sustainable method due to recycling HM and acquiring reusable water.However,popular efficient adsorbents are usually expensive or non-reusable.In this paper,methods of efficient HM recycling and water reuse from industrial wastewater were developed using efficient adsorbents,new polyphenylene sulfide derivatives,which are recyclable and stable in an acidic,alkaline or oxidative aqueous solution.Moreover,they can efficiently and quickly adsorb HM ions.The maximum adsorption capacities of these adsorbents for HM ions are at the range from 51.3-184.2 mg·g^(-1).The adsorption equilibrium times of them for HM ions are at the range from 10 to 80 min.Therefore,this paper suggests sustainable methods of HM recovery and water reuse from industrial wastewater.

Experiment study on water-rock interaction about gold activation and migration in different solutions

The interactions on gold active and migratory quantities and rates between tuffaceous slate and solu tions with different compositions were experimentally studied at 200 ℃, 20 MPa, in a high pressure apparatus. After reaction, tuffaceous slate became light colored and soft, and its mass density reduced. The amount of gold extracted from tuffaceous slate ranges widely, from 0 027 to 0 234 μg/g. Chlorine solution may activate appreciable amount of gold, and the gold migratory rate is high enough, from 50 70% to 92 30%, which reveals that sulphur and chlorine work together in solutions to accelerate gold activation and migration, and to realize gold mineralization in favorable places.

Additional water use influencing strength and fluidity of recycled concrete

Through adding different additional water use,the compressive strength,splitting tensile strength and fluidity of recycled concrete of three aggregate combination forms were studied by experiment respectively.The experimental results show that with the increase of adding additional water use,the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of recycled coarse aggregate concrete decrease,but that of recycled fine aggregate concrete and recycled all aggregate concrete increase firstly then decrease.When additional water use is added more 15% or 20% than that of basic ordinary concrete,the recycled coarse aggregate concrete and fine one can get pretty good fluidity.When it is added more 30%,the recycled all aggregate concrete has fluidity that is just satisfied.

Fate of Nutrients, Trace Metals, Bacteria, and Pesticides in Nursery Recycled Water

Faced with rapid population growth and fresh water scarcity, reuse of reclaimed water is growing worldwide and becoming an integral part of water resource management. Our objective was to determine the fate of nutrients, trace metals, bacteria, and legacy organic compounds (organochlorine pesticides) in the recycled water from five commercial nursery ponds in Florida. The pH of recycled water at all sites was 8.1 - 9.3, except one site (6.5), while the electrical conductivity (EC) was 0.31 - 0.36 dS/m. Concentrations of trace metals in recycled water were low: Fe (0.125 - 0.367 mg/L), Al (0.126 - 0.169 mg/L), B (0.104 - 0.153 mg/L), Zn (0.123 - 0.211 mg/L), and Mn (<0.111 mg/L). Total phosphorus (P) and total nitrogen (N) in the recycled water were 0.35 - 1.00 mg/L and 1.56 - 2.30 mg/L, respectively. Among organochlorine pesticides, endrin aldehyde was the only pesticide detected in all nursery recycled water ponds, with concentrations from 0.04 to 0.10 μg/L at four sites and 1.62 μg/L at one site. Other detected pesticides in recycled water were methoxychlor, endosulfan sulfate, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and α-chlorodane, with concentrations < 0.20 μg/L. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in recycled water were 20 - 50 colony forming units (CFU)/100 mL. We conclude that the concentrations of various inorganic and organic compounds in recycled water are very low and do not appear to be problematic for irrigation purposes in Florida’s nursery recycled water ponds.