Use of zeolites for the retention of potentially toxic metals from tailing - Ribeira Valley

• Grant number: 24/17200-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Environmental Sanitation
• Principal Investigator: Valéria Guimarães Silvestre Rodrigues
• Grantee: Pietra Setti Galante
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mining activities in the Ribeira Valley, Paraná, have generated large quantities of waste rich in potentially toxic metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn). These activities are widely recognized as contributing significantly to environmental contamination in the region due to the improper disposal of mining waste. Although some measures have been taken to mitigate this degradation, inadequate waste management persists, leading to soil and water contamination and posing severe risks to the environment and public health. Thus, it is of paramount importance to mitigate the effects of this contamination by seeking viable and low-cost solutions. In this context, zeolites, particularly clinoptilolite, stand out as promising adsorbents due to their ion exchange properties and high metal retention capacity. Therefore, this study aims to assess the potential of clinoptilolite-type zeolites in the removal of potentially toxic metals from tailing in the Ribeira Valley region, contributing to the mitigation of environmental impacts and the protection of local ecosystems.