Abstract
Purpose. The research aims to study wastewater treatment technology using electrical discharge at the Aktogay field in Kazakhstan to assess its effectiveness in reducing heavy metal concentrations and improving water quality. Methods. Laboratory tests were conducted on a specially designed experimental setup operating in the voltage range from 15 to 100 kV and frequencies from 50 Hz to 10 kHz. Physical-chemical parameters of water (pH, electrical conductivity, temperature), concentrations of heavy metals (copper, zinc, cadmium) before and after treatment were measured. Mathematical models were used to describe the precipitation processes and to assess the purification efficiency. Findings. Electrical discharge technology has been found to achieve a purification rate of up to 97.5% for copper, 97.3% for zinc and 96% for cadmium. At optimal parameters (15 kV, 10 kHz), heavy metal concentrations are reduced to levels that comply with World Health Organization standards. Improvement of physical characteristics of water (colour, odour, electrical conductivity) confirms the high efficiency of the method. Originality. For the first time, an innovative wastewater treatment methodology based on electrical discharge technology, implemented using a specially designed device, has been developed and tested. Mathematical models of heavy metal removal processes that describe the kinetics and dynamics of pollutant precipitation have been proposed and experimentally confirmed. Practical implications. The obtained results demonstrate a high potential for the industrial application of electrical discharge technology for treatment of wastewater generated during the processing of mineral raw materials at the Aktogay mine. Implementation of this technology will improve the environmental safety of production, while reducing operating costs and ensuring the possibility of water reuse.