Cyanide is a potent, highly toxic chemical compound that acts quickly as a poison. It can be present in various industrial processes, including mining, electroplating, and chemical manufacturing. Its toxicity arises from its ability to disrupt the respiration process of cells, leading to severe health issues and even death in living organisms. Additionally, cyanide compounds can contaminate water bodies, causing harm to aquatic ecosystems and disrupting the natural environment. Therefore, implementing cyanide treatment systems is crucial to mitigate these hazards and ensure responsible environmental management.
Cyanide treatment systems utilise different techniques to eliminate or transform cyanide compounds. Standard methods used by BW Water include oxidation, precipitation, and adsorption. Oxidation involves introducing oxidising agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or ozone, to convert cyanide ions into less toxic forms like cyanate or carbon dioxide. Precipitation methods use chemicals like calcium hydroxide or ferrous sulfate to create insoluble precipitates that can be separated from the treated water.
Adsorption techniques utilise activated carbon or ion exchange resins to capture and remove cyanide compounds from contaminated water. These adsorbents have large surface areas, allowing them to effectively bind and retain cyanide ions.
