Abstract: A promising low-technology solution for treating acidic mine drainage (AMD) emanating from coal mined lands involves the use of constructed wetlands.^The research was directed at addressing questions about retention mechanisms for the long-term storage of iron and manganese in constructed wetlands dominated by broad-leaved cattails (Typha latifolia).^Three sites in central Pennsylvania spanning the range of water chemistry parameters found in AMD were investigated.^When the AMD was circumneutral, and metal loadings were low, 79% of the iron, and 48% of the manganese were retained on average.^In the highly acidic site (pH approx.^= 3), < 10% of the metal loadings were retained.^The primary retention mechanism appears to be the formation of metal oxides in the aerobic zones of the sediments.^Although most microbial isolates extracted from sediment cores originated in the aerobic portions of the sediments, there was no evidence that they were transforming metals.^When AMD is circumneutral and metal loadings are low, constructed wetlands can be an effective approach to treating mine drainage.^At sites with highly acidic waters and high metal loadings, the use of constructed wetlands to treat AMD may be ineffectual, and should be implemented with caution.

Abstract: Much work has been carried out in recent decades concerning minewater treatment, both in the UK and worldwide. Many different bodies and organizations are involved in developing minewater treatment processes and schemes. Minewater Treatment addresses the need for a single source of state-of-the-art information that draws all the latest research material together. Key features of the book include: a full literature review of minewater treatment throughout the world; an overview of relevant legislation and policy in a global context; a review of currently available methods for treating minewater worldwide; a site specific inventory of minewater treatment schemes within the UK, including compilation of available monitoring data and assessment of performance; a review of emerging and innovative minewater treatment technologies and consideration of related academic research within the UK; a comprehensive list of active and innovative minewater treatment technologies that are not currently compiled in a book or other review publication; a detailed summary and recommendations section assessing the applicability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of minewater treatment schemes. Relevant scientific subject matter is presented in a concise, easily accessible manner to assist with the objective assessment of the progress made to date. Heavily illustrated with many colour photographs, the book allows best use to be made of the collective experience of minewater treatment practitioners throughout the UK, whilst at the same time placing the UK experience within a global context. An invaluable reference work for mining companies, consultants, planning officers, environmental research scientists, environmental agencies, water utilities and regulatory bodies, Minewater Treatment is a definitive source of information on minewater treatment technologies and will help facilitate the selection of the most appropriate technique required to tackle particular minewater discharge problems. Contents 1. The mine water problem 2. Treatment options 3. Existing sites in the UK: Case studies 4. Existing sites in the UK: Site summaries 5. Summary & conclusions