This invention relates to a method for separating and recovering
arsenic and iron from
arsenic- and iron-containing bioleaches. The specific steps are as follows: An adsorbent is added to the
arsenic- and iron-containing bioleach, mixed thoroughly, and reacted. After adsorption is complete, the
solid and liquid phases are separated to obtain an arsenic-iron solution free of bacterial residues. A
reducing agent is added to the obtained arsenic-iron solution. After detection, all arsenic and iron are converted to trivalent and
divalent valences, respectively, and the reaction is complete, yielding a solution containing low-valent arsenic and low-valent iron. An extractant is added to the reduced arsenic-iron solution to obtain an arsenic-containing organic phase and an iron-containing
raffinate. The iron-containing
raffinate is returned to the
bioleaching process, and the organic phase is back-extracted to obtain an arsenic-containing back-extract. The back-extracted organic phase is reused to extract arsenic.
Sodium hydroxide is added to the arsenic-containing back-extract, mixed thoroughly, and then
benzyl chloride is added. After stirring and reacting, the mixture is allowed to stand for layering and the acidity is adjusted for
crystallization. The crystals are washed and dried to obtain benzylarsine product. This invention solves the shortcomings of existing
neutralization processes, such as large
slag volume, difficulty in product purification, complex processes, and low arsenic and iron
recovery rates. It fully utilizes the arsenic and iron resources in the
bioleaching solution and has the advantages of high
recovery rate, high product added value, no secondary
pollution generated in the process, and low investment.