In the heart of China’s coal mining industry, a pressing issue has emerged: the escalating volume of high salinity mine water. This water, a byproduct of coal extraction, poses significant challenges to both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. However, a recent study led by YANG Chenyi from the School of Environmental and Biological Engineering at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, offers a glimmer of hope. Published in ‘Gongye shui chuli’ (Industrial Water Treatment), the research delves into the complexities of treating high salinity mine water, providing insights that could revolutionize the industry.
The study, which focuses on the zero-discharge treatment approach, highlights the current limitations of existing desalination technologies. “The extended process flow, significant energy consumption, and elevated costs of the treatment system are major hurdles,” YANG explains. These challenges not only impede the efficient treatment of mine water but also hinder the industry’s progress towards cleaner production and eco-friendly mine construction.
The research presents a comparative analysis of current and prospective treatment technologies, offering a comprehensive evaluation of their effectiveness. Traditional methods like reverse osmosis and membrane distillation are scrutinized, alongside emerging technologies such as forward osmosis and membrane distillation. YANG’s team also explores innovative salt separation and crystallization methods, including eutectic freezing technology, supercritical desalination technology, humidification-dehumidification technology, and photothermal desalination technology.
The implications of this research are profound. By identifying the most effective and cost-efficient technologies, the study paves the way for large-scale, sustainable treatment of high salinity mine water. This could significantly reduce the environmental impact of coal mining, enhance operational efficiency, and mitigate the escalating challenges associated with high salinity mine water.
The findings could shape future developments in the field, driving the industry towards more sustainable practices. As YANG notes, “The objective is to facilitate the large-scale, cost-effective, and efficient treatment of high salinity mine water, addressing the escalating challenges associated with high salinity mine water in the coal mining process and fostering the sustainable development of the coal industry.”
The study, published in ‘Gongye shui chuli’ (Industrial Water Treatment), underscores the urgent need for innovation in mine water treatment. As the coal industry continues to grapple with the challenges of high salinity mine water, YANG’s research offers a roadmap for a more sustainable future. The insights gained from this study could catalyze a shift towards cleaner, more efficient coal mining practices, benefiting both the industry and the environment.