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Description
In regions where wastewater laden with high concentrations of trace metallic elements, emanating from industrial activities like mining, pose an imminent threat to both the environment and public health, innovative purification techniques become imperative. This study focuses on the application of one such technique, Slow Sand Filtration (SSF), in the context of wastewater treatment near the Draa Lasfar mine in the Marrakech region, Morocco.
Slow Sand Filtration, a well-established water treatment method, involves the passage of contaminated water through a bed of sand, promoting physical, biological, and chemical processes that lead to the removal of impurities. In this context, SSF acts as a vital tool for decontaminating wastewater before it is released into the Tensift River, which serves as a crucial source for irrigation in the region.
To enhance the understanding of the intricate processes at play within this SSF system, we employed mathematical model. Specifically, we developed a one-dimensional diffusion model, designed to represent the intricate reality of SSF far more accurately than conventional logistic models. This model, tailored to the unique conditions of our study site, incorporates the diverse physical and chemical interactions involved in the removal of trace metallic elements.
Comparative analysis between the simulation results of our diffusion model and the observed data highlighted a superior fitting to the real-world scenario. This reinforced the efficacy of the 1D diffusion model in capturing the nuances of SSF for trace metallic element removal.
In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of Slow Sand Filtration as an eco-friendly and efficient solution for decontaminating wastewater in regions facing the imminent threat of waterborne pollutants. Furthermore, the development of our 1D diffusion model provides valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms at work within SSF systems, offering a promising avenue for optimizing their performance and ensuring the safety of downstream users and ecosystems.
KEYWORDS: Model of diffusion, slow sand filtration, heavy metals, decontamination, removal efficiency and modeling.