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Current Methods
Treatment at Wheal Jane
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/9/98/T--Exeter--Whealjane_sign.jpeg)
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/9/95/T--Exeter--veolialogo.jpeg)
The current method of mine water treatment at the Wheal Jane site is provided by Veolia Ltd. The company, who operates under the Coal Authority, delivers the services and facilities to treat the water in addition to providing safe long term storage of the resultant hazardous residue from the treatment process.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/e/e9/T--Exeter--treatmentdiagram.png)
Water is pumped from mine
10 stainless steel pumps costing £13,000 each are used to pump water from a mine shaft at rates up 330 l/s. The plant is separated into two distinct stream of treatment, so that if one fails the plant may continue treatment.
Pre-reaction chamber
Mine water is mixed with recirculated sludge to encourage the formation of dense particles.
Reaction Chamber
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/5/5f/T--Exeter--prereaction.jpeg)
Reaction Chamber
A Lime Slurry is created from hydrated lime powder and is then added to the mine water for two purposes: 1) to increase the pH of the acidic water to a target value of approximately 9.2 pH, 2) to cause the precipitation of metal ions. Air is circulated into the reaction chambers.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/a/a7/T--Exeter--reactionchamber.jpeg)
Lamella Clarifiers
A polymer is added to the mine water, binding to the metal it causes them to coagulate. Under the force of gravity the mixture separates out into distinct layers, the higher density sludge particles sink to the bottom and the water rises forming the top layer. The sludge is recirculated in the system until it reaches a specific density.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2017/5/53/T--Exeter--Lamella_Clarifies.jpeg)