The chemistry of conventional and alternative treatment systems for the neutralization of acid mine drainage

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to review the chemical processes which drive the performance of both conventional and passive treatment systems for Acid Mine Drainage and to compare the two. Several decades of research have improved the performance of both yet neither provides an environmentally acceptable, sustainable solution to the problem, which is still a major financial liability of the mining industry. A review of the literature and an examination of the underlying chemical reactions of both approaches suggest that the greatest potential for improvements lies with passive ecological systems. Future research areas are suggested⋯.