Abstract

Exploring the symbiotic potential of wastewater treatment and sustainable energy generation, this research integrates an Anammox (Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation) reactor with Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO). The investigation considers three diverse feed solutions: Deionized (DI) water, synthetic water, and a composite of synthetic water with real mine wastewater from gold mines. The study assesses the nitrogen removal efficiency in the Anammox reactor, accounting for the distinctive compositions of each feed solution. Concurrently, the power output, and overall performance of the PRO system are analyzed using the Anammox reactor effluent as the feed solution.
DI water provides a baseline for comparison, synthetic water replicates-controlled conditions, and the inclusion of mine wastewater introduces real-world complexities. The present study critically examines the chemical interactions occurring within an integrated system, focusing on the observable impact of trace elements present in gold mine wastewater on both biological and osmotic processes.
The research provides valuable insights into the interaction between biological nitrogen removal and osmotic power generation across varied wastewater matrices. Results highlight the versatility of the proposed methodology, underscoring its practical significance for sustainable energy production in mining environments.
Initially for experiments on lab-scale PRO setup, solutions of NaCl, KCl, (NH4)2CO3 and MgCl2 were used as the draw solutions. Results from this exploration offer valuable considerations for wastewater treatment and energy production in gold mining operations, highlighting the potential for sustainable practices in resource-intensive industries. After examining different draw solutions, synthetic water and composite of synthetic water with real mine tailing water were tested with 3M (NH4)2CO3 as the draw solution which produced the average power density of 11.0 ± 0.5 W⁄m2 and fouling was observed within the timespan. Results demonstrated promising power generation capabilities, with significant reductions in ion concentrations in the permeate, indicating the effectiveness of the PRO process. Recommendations for future research include comprehensive techno-economic analyses, exploration of advanced membrane technologies, and integration of other bioremediation techniques to enhance pollutant removal and system performance. Overall, the integration of Annamox-PRO represents a promising approach towards enhancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship in industrial settings, particularly in challenging environments like mining operations.