Mine waste turned into water treatment chemical removing 99% toxins

Scientists from Heriot-Watt University and the University of South Africa have developed an innovative method to convert acid mine drainage (AMD)—a highly toxic, acidic, and metal-laden wastewater from mining—into ferric chloride, a valuable chemical used for water purification. AMD, a major environmental problem especially in South Africa where nearly 400 million liters are discharged daily, contaminates water sources and damages infrastructure. The researchers extracted ferric iron from AMD using magnesium oxide nanoparticles and converted it into ferric chloride, which in lab tests removed over 99% of pollutants such as aluminum, iron, and chromium from river water, meeting drinking water standards. This breakthrough offers a sustainable, low-energy solution that transforms a hazardous waste product into a resource, supporting circular economy principles and providing economic opportunities for mining regions. The team plans to pilot the technology in South African communities facing water scarcity, with hopes of scaling it industrially to address legacy mining pollution globally. Experts highlight the potential of this approach to mitigate water scarcity