Abstract: A waste dump formed during the exploitation of quartzite deposit in Sobov mine (Slovakia) produces large quantity of acid mine drainage (AMD) which is mainly a product of pyrite oxidation. Sulphuric acid--the most aggressive oxidation product--attacks gangue minerals, mainly clays, as well. This process lead to a sharp decrease of the pH values (2-2.5) and increase of Fe, Al and SO (super 2-) (sub 4) contents (TDS = 20-30 mg/1). Passive treatment system was designed to remediate AMD. Chemical redox reactions along with microbial activity cause a precipitation of mobile contamination into a more stable forms. The sulphides are formed in the anaerobic cell, under reducing conditions. Fe-, Al- oxyhydroxides are precipitated in the aerobic part of the system. Precipitation decreases the Fe and Al contents along with immobilization of some heavy metal closely related to oxyhydroxides. Besides oxidation, the wetland vegetation is an active part of on aerobic cell. The system has been working effectively since September 1999. The pH values of outflowing water are apparently higher (6.2-6.8) and contents of dissolved elements (Fe from 2.260 to 4.1; Al from 900 to 0.18; Mn from 51 to 23; Cu from 4.95 to 0.03 mg/l) is significantly lowers.

Abstract: The Tar Creek Superfund Site is a portion of the abandoned lead and zinc mining area known as the Tri-State Mining District (OK, KS and MO) and includes over 100 square kilometers of disturbed land surface and contaminated water resources in extreme northeastern Oklahoma. Underground mining from the 1890s through the 1960s degraded over 1000 surface hectares, and left nearly 50 km of tunnels, 165 million tons of processed mine waste materials (chat), 300 hectares of tailings impoundments and over 2600 open shafts and boreholes. Approximately 94 million cubic meters of contaminated water currently exist in underground voids. In 1979, metal-rich waters began to discharge into surface waters from natural springs, bore holes and mine shafts. Six communities are located within the boundaries of the Superfund site. Approximately 70% of the site is Native American owned. Subsidence and surface collapse hazards are of significant concern. The Tar Creek site was listed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983 and currently receives a Hazard Ranking System score of 58.15, making Tar Creek the nation's number one NPL site. A 1993 Indian Health Service study demonstrated that 35% of children had blood lead levels above thresholds dangerous to human health. Recent remediation efforts have focused on excavation and replacement of contaminated residential areas. In January 2000, Governor Frank Keating's Tar Creek Task Force was created to take a “vital leadership role in identifying solutions and resources available to address” the myriad environmental problems. The principle final recommendation was the creation of a massive wetland and wildlife refuge to ecologically address health, safety, environmental, and aesthetic concerns. Additional interim measures included continuing the Task Force and subcommittees; study of mine drainage discharge and chat quality; construction of pilot treatment wetlands; mine shaft plugging; investigations of bioaccumulation issues; establishment of an authority to market and export chat, a local steering committee, and a GIS committee; and development of effective federal, state, tribal, and local partnerships.