scholarly journals Acid mine drainage (AMD) contamination in coal mines and the need for extensive prediction and remediation: a review

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 3129-3136
Author(s):  
Theophilus Ile Ojonimi ◽  
lemona C Okeme ◽  
Tina Phiri Chanda ◽  
Eneojo Godwin Ameh

Globally, the major source of environmental pollution as a result of mineral exploitation and processing is acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD refers to outflowing streams of acidic constituents from pyrite-bearing ore mines. The exposure of pyrite (FeS2) in coal waste dumps to atmospheric oxygen and water in the presence of microbial communities promotes the formation of sulphuric acid which leaches out the inherent heavy metals into the mine discharge, a phenomenon called pyrite oxidation. AMDs are usually characterized by a convoy of toxic heavy metals, most of which are transition elements (copper, nickel, zinc, etc.) and arsenic at concentrations higher than the limits permitted by environmental regulations. The impact of this acidic discharge from coal mines on downstream/underground waters and farm lands within the corresponding mining zones have been severally reported by previous researchers, but not so much have been discussed on extensive prediction and remediation. It is in view of this that the current paper reviews the need for extensive prediction and remediation approach for coal mines under the following subheadings; General introduction, AMD sources identification, representative sampling, adoption of a prediction model, determination of AMD potential and quality via static and kinetic tests and the development of an economically sustainable remediation strategy. It is thought that this article would be useful to academia as well as policy makers that are responsible for the development and implementation of environmental regulations in coal mines.

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. de la Torre ◽  
J. A. Grande ◽  
T. Valente ◽  
M. Santisteban ◽  
J. C. Cerón

The aim was to characterize hydrochemical changes that take place in the Sancho reservoir, which receives waters contaminated by acid mine drainage (AMD) from the Meca River (Iberian Pyrite Belt, SW Spain). The sampling procedure comprised bimonthly campaigns carried out between October 2011 and May 2012, in the entrance of the reservoir and in the input river waters. In addition to in situ parameters, heavy metals and sulphate were analysed in the laboratory by photometry and atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. The database was submitted to statistic treatment through the STATGRAPHICS Centurion XVI.I software. The results show a clear relationship between the sampling site in the entrance of the reservoir and in the watercourse, with an almost instantaneous cross-correlation. At the beginning of the sampling period a small rise in pH at both sites was detected, coinciding with a reduction in the concentration of heavy metals. This attenuation results from the dilution process caused by rain as well as the sorption by iron oxyhydroxysulphates that precipitate as a consequence of the above-mentioned rise in pH. The time changes that were detected in this system are due to the influence of input waters from the waste dumps of the Tharsis mines.


2012 ◽  
Vol 610-613 ◽  
pp. 3252-3256
Author(s):  
Mei Qin Chen ◽  
Feng Ji Wu

Acid mine drainage (AMD) has properties of extreme acidification, quantities of sulfate and elevated levels of soluble heavy metals. It was a widespread environmental problem that caused adverse effects to the qualities of ground water and surface water. In the past decades, most of investigations were focused on the heavy metals as their toxicities for human and animals. As another main constitution of AMD, sulfate ion is nontoxic, yet high concentration of sulfate ion can cause many problems such as soil acidification, metal corrosion and health problems. More attention should be paid on the sulfate ion when people focus on the AMD. In the paper, sulfate removal mechanisms include adsorption, precipitation, co-precipitation and biological reduction were analyzed and summarized. Meanwhile, the remediation technologies, especially the applications of them in China were also presented and discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 538 ◽  
pp. 132-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guorui Feng ◽  
Jianchao Ma ◽  
Xiaopeng Zhang ◽  
Qingfang Zhang ◽  
Yuqiang Xiao ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 671-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Rodrigues de Assis ◽  
Luiz Eduardo Dias ◽  
Emerson Silva Ribeiro Jr ◽  
Walter Antônio Pereira Abrahão ◽  
Jaime Wilson Vargas de Mello ◽  
...  

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is an environmental concern due to the risk of element mobilization, including toxic elements, and inclusion in the food chain. In this study, three cover layers were tested to minimize As, Fe and S mobilization from a substrate from former gold mining, containing pyrite and arsenopyrite. For this purpose, different layers (capillary break, sealant and cover layer) above the substrate and the induction of a geochemical barrier (GB) were used to provide suitable conditions for adsorption and co-precipitation of the mobilized As. Thirteen treatments were established to evaluate the leaching of As, Fe and S from a substrate in lysimeters. The pH, As, Fe, S, Na, and K concentrations and total volume of the leachates were determined. Mineralogical analyses were realized in the substrate at the end of the experimental period. Lowest amounts of As, Fe and S (average values of 5.47, 48.59 and 132.89 g/lysimeter) were leached in the treatments that received Na and K to induce GB formation. Mineralogical analyses indicated jarosite formation in the control treatment and in treatments that received Na and K salts. However, the jarosite amounts in these treatments were higher than in the control, suggesting that these salts accelerated the GB formation. High amounts of As, Fe and S (average values of 11.7, 103.94 and 201.13 g/lysimeter) were observed in the leachate from treatments without capillary break layer. The formation of geochemical barrier and the use of different layers over the sulfide substrate proved to be efficient techniques to decrease As, Fe and S mobilization and mitigate the impact of acid mine drainage.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Sekudewicz ◽  
Michał Gąsiorowski ◽  
Šárka Matoušková ◽  
Jan Rohovec ◽  
Karolina Kaucha

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-50
Author(s):  
Svetlana Bratkova

The formation of acid mine drainage (AMD) is a serious environmental problem in areas with mining and processing industries worldwide. Their generation is associated with chemical and biological processes of oxidation of sulfide minerals, mainly pyrite. Sources of AMD can be deposits of sulfide minerals and coal with a high content of pyrite sulfur, mining waste and some tailings. The impact of AMD on surface and groundwater in mining areas continues for decades after the cessation of extraction. An example of the negative impact of generated acid mine drainage on the state of surface waters is in the region of Madzharovo. Years after the cessation of mining, the waters at the discharge points "Momina Skala", "Harman Kaya" and "Pandak Dere" are characterized by low pH values and high concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead and manganese.


2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (19) ◽  
pp. 4757-4764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew M Matlock ◽  
Brock S Howerton ◽  
David A Atwood

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