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Author Ziemkiewicz, P.F.; Skousen, J.G.; Simmons, J.
Title Long-term Performance of Passive Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Systems Type Journal Article
Year 2003 Publication Mine Water Env. Abbreviated Journal
Volume 22 Issue 3 Pages 118-129
Keywords acidity acid load aerobic wetlands anaerobic wetlands anoxic limestone drains limestone leach beds open limestone channels slag leach beds successive alkalinity producing systems vertical flow wetlands
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 calculating acid load 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 9.9 t/yr for open limestone channels (OLC), 10.1 t/yr for vertical flow wetlands (VFW), 11.9 t/yr for anaerobic wetlands (AnW), 16.6 t/yr for limestone leach beds (LSB), and 22.2 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.
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Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1025-9112 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Long-term Performance of Passive Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Systems; 1; FG 1 Abb., 7 Tab.; AMD ISI | Wolkersdorfer Approved no
Call Number CBU @ c.wolke @ 17454 Serial 187
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