Catalan, L. J. J., & Yin, G. (2003). Comparison of calcite to quicklime for amending partially oxidized sulfidic mine tailings before flooding. Environ Sci Technol, 37(7), 1408–1413.
Abstract: Flooding partially oxidized mine tailings for the purpose of mitigating further oxidation of sulfide minerals and generation of acid drainage is generally preceded by treatment with alkaline amendments to prevent releasing previously accumulated acidity to the water cover. This work compares the ability of calcite (CaCO3) and quicklime (CaO), two common amendments, to establish and maintain pH conditions and dissolved metal concentrations within environmentally acceptable ranges over long time periods. Although higher initial pH values were obtained with quicklime, the pH of quicklime treated tailings decreased over time. This was attributed to the low buffering capacity of quicklime treated tailings and to the consumption of hydroxide ions by incongruent dissolution of water-insoluble iron oxyhydroxysulfate minerals. In contrast, the pH of tailings treated with calcite increased initially and then remained stable at pH approximate to 6.7. This pH behavior was due to the lower reactivity of iron oxyhydroxysulfates with calcite, the increased buffering capacity provided by bicarbonate ions, and the incomplete dissolution of calcite. Overall, calcite was found preferable to quicklime for maintaining long-term neutral pH conditions in the treated tailings. With the exception of zinc, acceptable dissolved metal concentrations were achieved with calcite treated tailings.
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Potgieter-Vermaak, S. S., Potgieter, J. H., Monama, P., & Van Grieken, R. (2006). Comparison of limestone, dolomite and fly ash as pre-treatment agents for acid mine drainage. Minerals Engineering, 19(5), 454–462.
Abstract: The physical, chemical and biological nature of Vaal Dam water, the main source of water in Gauteng, South Africa, is often affected by underground water pollution (acid mine water) and industrial effluents. The ecological significance and detrimental effects necessitate investigations into treating the water prior to discharge into public streams. Although several acid mine water treatment techniques and methods exist, they all have certain disadvantages. Lime treatment is the most common approach. In this investigation, limestone, dolomite and fly ash were selected as pre-treatment agents based on their low cost. Simulated acid mine water containing these agents was tested using a Jar Test apparatus. Samples were analyzed before and after treatment for pH, ferrous, ferric, calcium, magnesium and sulphate ions. The study demonstrated that the quality of the water improved with an increase in the amount and surface area of the raw material dosed and an increase in contact time. It was also influenced by the chemical composition of the acid mine water and aeration. Chemical cost savings of 38% are achieved when lime is replaced with limestone, and cost savings of 23% and 48% can be accomplished when limestone is substituted with dolomite and fly ash respectively. This could result in significant savings to the gold and coal mining industries, and could lead to a mutual benefit/gain between industrialists/polluters and the public.
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Komnitsas, K., Xenidis, A., & Tabouris, S. (2000). Composite cover for the prevention of acid mine drainage. Mining Environmental Management, 8(6), 14–17.
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Nawrot, J. R., Conley, P. S., & Sandusky, J. E. (1994). Concentrated alkaline recharge pools for acid seep abatement; principles, design, construction, and performance. In Special Publication – United States. Bureau of Mines, Report: BUMINES-SP-06A-94 (pp. 382–391). Proceedings of the International land reclamation and mine drainage conference and Third international conference on The abatement of acidic drainage; Volume 1 of 4; Mine drainage.
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Swoboda-Colberg, N., Colberg, P., & Smith, J. L. (1994). Constructed vertical flow aerated wetlands.
Abstract: In the report, wetland technology is described in which the main reactive layer is limestone gravel (rather than organic material) which is overlain by a fine gravel filter and soil. The three-year project included laboratory and field studies. Vertical aerated wetlands, simulated by columns, constructed in the field and in the laboratory, were operated during the project. The report presents a summary of results given in previous reports and summaries of results obtained using water from Butte, MT, and field studies at the Rockford Tunnel, near Idaho Springs, CO.
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