Simultaneous removal of multiple metal(loid)s and neutralization of acid mine drainage using 3D-printed bauxite-containing geopolymers

The mining industry is one of the largest sources of environmental concern globally. Herein we report for the first time the application of highly porous 3D-printed sorbents containing high amounts (50wt.%) of red mud, a hazardous waste derived from the alumina industry, for the remediation of acid mine drainage (AMD). The sorption capacity of the inorganic polymers was initially evaluated for the simultaneous removal of five metal(loid) elements, namely Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and As(V) in synthetic wastewater. The effect of the initial concentration, pH and contact time were assessed, reaching removal efficiencies between 64 and 98%, at pH 4 and initial concentration of 50mgL-1 of each cation, after 24h of contact time. The 3D-printed lattices were then used for the remediation of the real AMD water samples, and the role of adsorption and acidic neutralization was investigated. Lattices were also successfully regenerated and reused up to five cycles without compromising their performance. This work paves the way for the use of an industrial waste derived from the production of alumina as raw material for the management of the hazardous AMD. Concerned with the acid mine drainage (AMD) problem, the United Nations set global targets as a tool to preserve water supplies and protect the environment (Managing Mining for Sustainable Development). Water flowing through active/abandoned mine sites results in highly acidic effluents containing a hazardous complex mixture of metal(loid)s. Herein, we report the use of porous geopolymers sorbents prepared by additive manufacturing, incorporating significant amounts (50wt%) of red mud -hazardous waste resulting from alumina production- capable of simultaneously pH neutralizing the AMD while removing metals through adsorption. Regeneration and reusability tests suggest the use of these novel structures as a promising technology for AMD treatm [Display omitted] •3D-printed red mud-containing geopolymers were explored as metal sorbents•Effect of pH, initial concentration and contact time was assessed in multi-ions trials•Sorbents were explored for the treatment of real acid mine drainage water samples•A cumulative result of pH neutralization and adsorption was demonstrated•Regeneration and reusability for consecutive treatment cycles was demonstrated