Innovative Microporous Materials for the Adsorption of Strategic and Toxic Elements (As, Tl, Se, Sb) in Mining-Affected Waters

The contamination of groundwater by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as arsenic (As), thallium (Tl), selenium (Se), and antimony (Sb) pose a serious environmental and public health challenge, especially in areas with a history of mining or geogenic anomalies. In Italy, regions like Monte Amiata (Tuscany) and Viterbo (Tuscany) province are significantly impacted by natural and anthropogenic contamination linked to past mining activities and volcanic geology [1], [2]. Notably, elements like Sb, As and Se are also classified as Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) by the European Union. This project aims to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of various microporous materials, including natural and synthetic zeolites, activated carbons (G-BAC), as well as novel innovative materials such as zeolite-templated carbons (ZTC), and a metal-organic framework (MOF), for the selective removal of these elements from contaminated waters. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted under controlled conditions (pH, temperature, contact time, metal concentrations) to compare adsorption capacities. Advanced characterization (XRD, thermal analysis) and ICP-MS analysis were used to assess performance and understand adsorption mechanisms. The study supports the development of low-cost, eco-friendly, and scalable technologies for the remediation of contaminated waters in mining-affected areas. Results contribute to ongoing efforts in the valorisation of mining tailings, environmental recovery, and the sustainable management of CRMs, offering potential for integration into real-world treatment systems aligned with European ecological transition goals. [1] G. Sappa, S. Ergul, and F. Ferranti, 2014 “Geochemical modeling and multivariate statistical evaluation of trace elements in arsenic contaminated groundwater systems of Viterbo Area, (Central Italy),” Springerplus, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 1–19, doi: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-237. [2] G. Protano and F. Nannoni, 2018 “Influence of ore processing activity on Hg, As and Sb contamination and fractionation in soils in a former mining site of Monte Amiata ore district (Italy),” Chemosphere, vol. 199, pp. 320–330, doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.051.