Mine Water and The Environment 

About: Mine Water and The Environment is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Coal mining & Acid mine drainage. It has an ISSN identifier of 1025-9112. Over the lifetime, 1046 publications have been published receiving 15959 citations.

Review of Passive Systems for Acid Mine Drainage Treatment

Abstract: When appropriately designed and maintained, passive systems can provide long-term, efficient, and effective treatment for many acid mine drainage (AMD) sources. Passive AMD treatment relies on natural processes to neutralize acidity and to oxidize or reduce and precipitate metal contaminants. Passive treatment is most suitable for small to moderate AMD discharges of appropriate chemistry, but periodic inspection and maintenance plus eventual renovation are generally required. Passive treatment technologies can be separated into biological and geochemical types. Biological passive treatment technologies generally rely on bacterial activity, and may use organic matter to stimulate microbial sulfate reduction and to adsorb contaminants; constructed wetlands, vertical flow wetlands, and bioreactors are all examples. Geochemical systems place alkalinity-generating materials such as limestone in contact with AMD (direct treatment) or with fresh water up-gradient of the AMD. Most passive treatment systems employ multiple methods, often in series, to promote acid neutralization and oxidation and precipitation of the resulting metal flocs. Before selecting an appropriate treatment technology, the AMD conditions and chemistry must be characterized. Flow, acidity and alkalinity, metal, and dissolved oxygen concentrations are critical parameters. This paper reviews the current state of passive system technology development, provides results for various system types, and provides guidance for sizing and effective operation.

Mining Impacts on the Fresh Water Environment : Technical and Managerial Guidelines for Catchment-Focused Remediation

Abstract: Mining Impacts on the Fresh Water Environment : Technical and Managerial Guidelines for Catchment-Focused Remediation

Geochemistry, Hydraulic Connectivity and Quality Appraisal of Multilayered Groundwater in the Hongdunzi Coal Mine, Northwest China

Abstract: This study assessed the geochemistry and quality of groundwater in the Hongdunzi coal mining area in northwest China and investigated the mechanisms governing its hydrogeochemistry and the hydraulic connectivity between adjacent aquifers. Thirty-four groundwater samples were collected for physicochemical analyses and bivariate analyses were used to investigate groundwater quality evolution. The groundwater in the mine was determined to be neutral to slightly alkaline, with high levels of salinity and hardness; most samples were of SO4·Cl–Na type. Fluoride and nitrate pollution in the confined aquifers were identified, primarily sourced from coals. Natural geochemical processes, such as mineral dissolution, cation exchange, and groundwater evaporation, largely control groundwater chemistry. Anthropogenic inputs from agricultural and mining activities were also identified in both shallow unconfined aquifers and the deeper confined aquifers, respectively. It was determined that the middle confined aquifer has a high hydraulic connectivity with the lower coal-bearing aquifer due to developed fractures. Careful management of the overlying aquifers is required to avoid mine water inrush geohazards and groundwater quality deterioration. The groundwater in the mining area is generally of poor quality, and is unsuitable for direct human consumption or irrigation. Na+, SO42−, Cl−, F−, TH, TDS, NO3−, and CODMn are the major factors responsible for the poor quality of the phreatic water, while Na+, SO42−, F−, and TDS are the major constituents affecting the confined groundwater quality. This study is beneficial for understanding the impacts of coal mine development on groundwater quality, and safeguarding sustainable mining in arid areas.

Major Ion Chemistry of Shallow Groundwater in the Dongsheng Coalfield, Ordos Basin, China

Abstract: A hydrogeochemical study was conducted in the Dongsheng Coalfield, Ordos Basin, China, to identify the mechanisms responsible for the chemical compositions of the shallow groundwater and to document water quality with respect to agricultural and drinking supply standards, prior to mining. Tri-linear diagrams, principal component analysis, and correlation analysis were used to reveal the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the shallow groundwater, and the potential water–rock interactions. In general, the major cations and anions were present at low concentrations, but were relatively higher around Jiushenggong than elsewhere in the study area. Groundwater around Jiushenggong has a long residence time and is also subject to extensive evapotranspiration. The dominant hydrochemical facies are HCO3-Ca, HCO3-Na, and mixed HCO3-Ca·Na·Mg types. Increases in major ion concentrations along the flow path, including Na, Cl, and SO4, coincide with increases in total dissolved solids. The predominant mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry proved to be the dissolution of carbonates, gypsum, and halite. Cation exchange and mixing with local recharge water are also important factors. The shallow groundwater quality in the study area is suitable for agricultural and drinking purposes.

Long-term Performance of Passive Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Systems

Abstract: State and federal reclamation programs, mining operators, and citizen-based watershed organizations have constructed hundreds of passive systems in the eastern U S over the past 20 years to provide reliable, low cost, low maintenance mine water treatment in remote locations While performance has been reported for individual systems, there has not been a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of each treatment type for a wide variety of conditions We evaluated 83 systems; five types in eight states Each system was monitored for influent and effluent flow, ph, net acidity, and metal concentrations Performance was normalized among types by calclating acid loading reductions and removals, and by converting construction cost, projected service life, and metric tonnes of acid load treated into cost per tonne of acid treated Of the 83 systems, 82 reduced acid load Average acid load reductions were 99 t/yr for open limestone channels (OLC), 101 t/yr for vertical flow wetland (VFW), 119 t/yr for anaerobic wetlands (AnW), 166 t/yr for limestone leach beds (LSB), and 222 t/yr for anoxic limestone drains (ALD) Average costs for acid removal varied from $83/t/yr for ALDs to $527 for AnWs Average acid removals were 25 g/m2/day for AnWs, 62 g/m2/day for VFWs, 22 g/day/t for OLCs, 28 g/day/t for LSBs, and 56 g/day/t for ALDs It appears that the majority of passive systems are effective but there was wide variation within each system type, so improved reliability and efficiency are needed This report is an initial step in determining passive treatment system performance; additional work is needed to refine system designs and monitoring