Ammonia nitrogen removal in mine tailings water: commissioning and troubleshooting of a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor Various technologies are available for the removal of ammonia nitrogen in mine impacted water. Each of these technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their limits. Although there is extensive academic work on this subject, limits for such technologies are best determined by the troubleshooting of full-scale applications. This presentation discusses the Various technologies are available for the removal of ammonia nitrogen in mine impacted water. Each of these technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their limits. Although there is extensive academic work on this subject, limits for such technologies are best determined by the troubleshooting of full-scale applications. This presentation discusses the arious challenges encountered during the commissioning of a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) for a gold mine project in South America. This technology is extensively present in the municipal sector but is still considered a novelty in the mining industry. A brief description of the complete Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) is first discussed. This ETP was designed for WAD cyanides destruction, heavy metals and total suspended solids removal, as well as biological denitrification of nitrates. Following this introduction, the various challenges encountered during the commissioning of the biological reactors of this plant are described, including: presence of ammonia in the feed water, partial nitrification and alkalinity deficiency. The ammonia contamination was resolved by retrofitting the MBBR to promote nitrification. Also, partial nitrification was caused by alkalinity deficiency, but no actions were required due to changes in the bioreactors influent quality. Many lessons can be learned from the commissioning discussed in this presentation. The most significant lesson learned is the importance of designing highly flexible plants with a built-in capacity to be modified and adjusted to changes in feed water. Also, this project demonstrates that a MBBR treatment can be successfully incorporated in a conventional treatment philosophy.
