Reducing dissolved metal concentrations in mining-influenced water (MIW) is essential for cleanup and management strategies at both active and abandoned mine sites.

Aeration introduces oxygen into the MIW, enhancing the dissolved oxygen levels, with the purpose of oxidizing dissolved metal species into less soluble forms.

For example, for the removal of Fe, aeration is needed to oxidize the free molecules of Fe into FeO₂.  FeO₂ flocs together, and can then be screened out. A similar process can be done for removal of additional problematic metals, such as manganese and arsenic, from the MIW.

This process improves treatment effectiveness and efficiency, thereby lowering restoration costs.

Aeration is most employed to treat MIW with dissolved metal levels that surpass regulatory or risk-based water quality standards. Aeration together with other MIW technologies can reduce the use and expense of chemical reagents.

Aeration is applicable to MIW discharge with elevated dissolved metal concentrations and low natural dissolved oxygen, a variety of sites suitable for active treatment technologies, a wide range of flow conditions, and can be used alongside other metal and neutralization treatment technologies.

The advantages of aeration include the simplicity and effectiveness of the fundamental geochemical process, application flexibility, the use of air as the treatment reagent, and its suitability for a wide range of site and flow conditions.

Fine Bubble aeration stands out as the most efficient and cost-effective aeration solution available today.