Treat mine water using passive methods

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Pollution Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:6211072

Kleinmann, R L.P.; Hedin, R S ^[1]

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1. U.S. Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA (United States). Environmental Technology Group

Passive treatment represents an alternative to conventional chemical treatment of coal mine drainage. When successful, passive systems require less investment, less maintenance and usually are less expensive than conventional chemical treatment systems. As a result, during the last seven years, more than 500 passive systems have been constructed in the United States to treat coal mine drainage. Some exist as an alternative to conventional treatment; others serve as an inexpensive pretreatment step than can decrease subsequent chemical requirements. Sulfide minerals present in rock disturbed during mining can oxidize to form an acidic metal-laden solution, commonly known as acid mine drainage (AMD). Alkalinity present in the rock may partially or completely neutralize AMD, but if either acidity or excessive metal contaminants remain, the water must be treated before it can be discharged legally. The principal regulated contaminant metals of coal mine drainage are iron and manganese. Metal mine drainage often contains more toxic metals, such as cadmium, nickel, copper and zinc. Chemical treatment of AMD is estimated to cost America's mining industry more than $1 million a day. Three principal passive technologies are used in the treatment of coal mine drainage: Aerobic wetlands, wetlands constructed with an organic substrate and anoxic limestone drains (ALDS). The selection of the technology or combination of technologies to be used depends on the quality of the water being treated.

• OSTI ID: 6211072
• Journal Information: Pollution Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Pollution Engineering; (United States) Vol. 25:13; ISSN PLENBW; ISSN 0032-3640
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010800* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Waste Management
010900 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
ACID MINE DRAINAGE
ACIDIFICATION
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
CADMIUM
CHALCOGENIDES
COAL MINES
CONTROL
COPPER
COST
ECOSYSTEMS
ELEMENTS
IRON
MANAGEMENT
MANGANESE
MATERIALS RECOVERY
METALS
MINES
NICKEL
POLLUTION CONTROL
PROCESSING
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WETLANDS
ZINC