Simmons, J. A., Andrew, T., Arnold, A., Bee, N., Bennett, J., Grundman, M., et al. (2006). Small-Scale Chemical Changes Caused by In-stream Limestone Sand Additions to Streams. Mine Water Env., 25(4), 241–245.
Abstract: In-stream limestone sand addition (ILSA) has been employed as the final treatment for acid mine drainage discharges at Swamp Run in central West Virginia for six years. To determine the small-scale longitudinal variation in stream water and sediment chemistry and stream biota, we sampled one to three locations upstream of the ILSA site and six locations downstream. Addition of limestone sand significantly increased calcium and aluminum concentrations in sediment and increased the pH, calcium, and total suspended solids of the stream water. Increases in alkalinity were not significant. The number of benthic macroinvertebrate taxa was significantly reduced but there was no effect on periphyton biomass. Dissolved aluminum concentration in stream water was reduced, apparently by precipitation into the stream sediment.
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Driussi, C. (2006). Technological options for waste minimisation in the mining industry. J. Cleaner Prod., 14(8), 682–688.
Abstract: Just as the application of technology in mining processes can cause pollution, it can also be harnessed to minimise, and sometimes eliminate, mine-related contaminants. Waste minimisation can be achieved through decreased waste production, waste collection, waste recycling, and the neutralisation of pollutants into detoxified forms. This article reviews examples of how technology can be used to minimise air, water, land and noise pollution in the mining industry. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Totsche, O., Fyson, A., Kalin, M., & Steinberg Christian, E. W. (2006). Titration curves: A useful instrument for assessing the buffer systems of acidic mining waters. ESPR Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 13(4), 215–224.
Abstract: The acidification of mine waters is generally caused by metal sulfide oxidation, related to mining activities. These waters are characterized by low pH and high acidity due to strong buffering systems. The standard acidity parameter, the BNC (Base Neutralization Capacity), is determined by endpoint titration, and reflects a cumulative parameter of both hydrogen ions and all buffering systems, but does not give information on the individual buffer systems. It is demonstrated that a detailed interpretation of titration curves can provide information about the strength of the buffering systems. The buffering systems are of importance for environmental studies and treatment of acidic mining waters. Titrations were carried out by means of an automatic titrator using acidic mining waters from Germany and Canada. The curves were interpreted, compared with each other, to endpoint titration results and to elemental concentrations contained therein. The titration curves were highly reproducible, and contained information about the strength of the buffer systems present. Interpretations are given, and the classification and comparison of acidic mining waters, by the nature and strength of their buffering systems derived from titration curves are discussed. The BNC-values calculated from the curves were more precise than the ones determined by the standard endpoint titration method. Due to the complex buffer mechanisms in acidic mining waters, the calculation of major metal concentrations from the shape of the titration curve resulted in estimates, which should not be confused with precise elemental analysis results. Conclusion. Titration curves provide an inexpensive, valuable and versatile tool, by which to obtain sophisticated information of the acidity in acidic water. The information about the strength of the present buffer systems can help to understand and document the complex nature of acidic mining water buffer systems. Finally, the interpretation of titration curves could help to improve treatment measurements and the ecological understanding of these acidic waters.
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Wolkersdorfer, C. (2006). Tracer tests as a mean of remediation procedures in mines. Uranium in the Environment: Mining Impact and Consequences, , 817–822.
Abstract: Mining usually causes severe anthropogenic changes by which the ground- or surface water might be significantly polluted. One of the main problems in the mining industry are acid mine drainage, the drainage of heavy metals, and the prediction of mine water rebound after mine closure. Consequently, the knowledge about the hydraulic behaviour of the mine water within a flooded mine might significantly reduce the costs of mine closure and remediation. In the literature, the difficulties in evaluating the hydrodynamics of flooded mines are well described, although only few tracer tests in flooded mines have been published so far. Most tracer tests linked to mine water problems were related to either pollution of the aquifer or radioactive waste disposal and not the mine water itself.
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Landers, J. (2006). Bioremediation method could cut cost of treating acid rock drainage. Civil Engineering, 76(7), 30–31.
Abstract: The Gilt Edge Mine in South Dakota's Lawrence County was a gold mine that was abandoned later when its recent owner went bankrupt. Seeking a cost-effective method for treating millions of gallons of acid rock drainage (ARD), CDM partnered with Green World Science, Inc. (GWS) of Boise, Idaho, for the development of an in situ bioremediation process that can be used to remove metals from pit lake water. Recent testing revealed that the in situ bioremediation method can successfully remove metals from highly acidic water without the need to construct costly water treatment facilities.
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