Greben, H. A., Matshusa, M. P., & Maree, J. P. (2005). (J. Loredo, & F. Pendás, Eds.). Mine Water 2005 – Mine Closure. Oviedo: University of Oviedo.
Abstract: Mining is implicated as a significant contributor to water pollution, the prime reason being, that pyrites oxidize to sulphuric acid when exposed to air and water. Mine effluents, often containing sulphate, acidity and metals, should be treated to render it suitable for re-use in the mining industry, for irrigation of crops or for discharge in water bodies. This study describes the removal of all three mentioned pollutants in mine effluents, from different origins, containing different concentrations of various metals. The objectives were achieved, applying the biological sulphate removal technology, using ethanol as the carbon and energy source. It was shown that diluting the mine effluent with the effluent from the biological treatment, the pH increased due to the alkalinity in the treated water while the metals precipitated with the produced sulphide. When this treatment regime was changed and the mine water was fed undiluted, it was found that the metals stimulated the methanogenic bacteria (MB) as trace elements. This resulted in a high COD utilization of the MB, such that too little COD was available for the SRB. Metal removal in all three studies was observed and in most instances the metals were eliminated to the required disposal concentration.
|
Canty, G. A., & Everett, J. W. (2006). Injection of Fluidized Bed Combustion Ash into Mine Workings for Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage. Mine Water Env., 25(1), 45–55.
Abstract: A demonstration project was conducted to investigate treating acid mine water by alkaline injection technology (AIT). A total of 379 t of alkaline coal combustion byproduct was injected into in an eastern Oklahoma drift coal mine. AIT increased the pH and alkalinity, and reduced acidity and metal loading. Although large improvements in water quality were only observed for 15 months before the effluent water chemistry appeared to approach pre-injection conditions, a review of the data four years after injection identified statistically significant changes in the mine discharge compared to pre-injection conditions. Decreases in acidity (23%), iron (18%), and aluminium (47%) were observed, while an increase in pH (0.35 units) was noted. Presumably, the mine environment reached quasi-equilibrium with the alkalinity introduced to the system.
|
|
Brunet, J. - F. (2000). Drainages miniers acides; contraintes et remedes; etat des connaissances--Acid mine drainage; problems and remediation techniques; state of the art. Principaux Resultats Scientifiques – Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres, 1999/2000, 97–98.
|
|
Brown, M., Barley, B., & Wood, H. (2002). Minewater treatment; technology, application and policy. London: IWA Publishing.
|
Berthelot, D., & Haggis, M. (1999). Application of remote monitoring and data management systems to environmental management of tailings facilities. In D. Goldsack, N. Belzile, P. Yearwood, & G. Hall (Eds.), Sudbury '99; Mining and the environment II; conference proceedings.
Abstract: The mining industry has made tremendous strides in the last 20 years in the prevention and control of acid mine drainage. However, there remain a number of circumstances where the long-term operation, care and maintenance of tailings management facilities will be required. The application of progressive environmental technologies and management systems is key to cost control and environmental liability management at these sites. Mine Waste Management Inc. currently operates Rio Algom Limited's five effluent treatment plants and seven waste management areas in the Elliot Lake, Ontario region using a Remote Plant Monitoring and Control Network (RPMCN). This system, based on Intellutions's “Fix 32” technology, enables the monitoring and control of these plants from a centralized location thus reducing labour costs while providing 24-hour surveillance. Scheduling, auditing and reporting of plant operating and environmental monitoring programs are integrated and controlled using the Envista (super TM) environmental information management system. Proper application of these technologies and management systems facilitates delivery of cost-effective environmental monitoring, and care and maintenance programs at these sites and provides tools to demonstrate compliance with all environmental performance criteria.
|
