THE USE OF COAL COMBUSTION BY-PRODUCTS FOR IN SITU TREATMENT OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE
In 1994 a demonstration project was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of using CCBs for the in situ treatment of acidic mine water. Actual injection of alkaline material was performed in 1997 with initial positive results; however, the amount of alkalinity added to the system was limited and resulted in short duration treatment. In 1999, a CBRC grant was awarded to further investigate the effectiveness of alkaline injection technology (AIT). Funds were released in fall 2001. In December 2001, 2500 tons of fluidized bed combustion (FBC) ash were injected into the wells used in the 1997 injection project. Post injection monitoring continued for 24 months. During this period the mine chemistry had gone through a series of chemical changes that manifested as stages or ''treatment phases.'' The mine system appeared to be in the midst of reestablishing equilibrium with the partial pressure of mine headspace. Alkalinity and pH appeared to be gradually increasing during this transition. As of December 2003, the pH and alkalinity were roughly 7.3 and 65 ppm, respectively. Metal concentrations were significantly lower than pre-injection levels, but iron and manganese concentrations appeared to be gradually increasing (roughly 30 ppm and 1.25 ppm, respectively). Aluminum, nickel, and zinc were less than pre-injection concentrations and did not appear to be increasing (roughly <PQL, 0.02 ppm, and 0.1 ppm, respectively). Arsenic and boron were not identified in concentrations that were of concern for protecting freshwater aquatic communities; however, selenium was well above the CCC and MCL. Overall, this project has been successful at achieving water quality improvement goals and providing valuable insight and information about the chemistry of this technology. In addition, there were obvious improvements observed in the receiving environment--benthic habitat recovery and the return of fish species. However, additional monitoring is needed to determine the duration of the treatment and to evaluate the applicability of the treatment technology.
- Research Organization:
- West Virginia University Research Corporation (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC26-98FT40028
- OSTI ID:
- 837194
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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