Overburden analyses by acid-base accounting and simulated weathering studies as a means of determining the probable hydrological consequences of mining and reclamation

Conference · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5306229

Sturey, C S; Freeman, J R; Keeney, T A; Sturm, J W

Acid-Base Accounting, selected overburden materials and mixtures of such, both treated and untreated, were placed in simulated weathering columns and leached once a week for a one-year time period. The rocks in the columns were mixed, layered, and/or treated to simulate mixtures, layers, and/or treatments that could be expected in surface mining backfills by modern mining techniques. Acid-Base Accounting predicted the quality of leachate obtained from the columns. Each leachate was analyzed for parameters generally required by state and federal regulations. The parameters include pH, total acidity, total alkalinity, total iron, total manganese, dissolved iron, sulfates, specific conductivity, calcium and magnesium. Initially, the leachate data showed accelerated chemical reactions which tapered off over time. The amounts of pyritic sulfur oxidation and carbonate dissolution were estimated from accumulated concentrations of iron, sulfate, and calcium plus magnesium leached from the columns. Post-leaching acid-base accounting was used to verify the estimates.

• OSTI ID: 5306229
• Report Number(s): CONF-821175-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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58 GEOSCIENCES
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CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
COAL MINES
COAL MINING
DISPERSIONS
DISSOLUTION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GEOLOGIC STRATA
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LAND RECLAMATION
LEACHATES
LEACHING
MINES
MINING
MIXTURES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLUTIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE WATERS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
WATER
WATER POLLUTION