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Robbins, E. I., Cravotta, C. A., Savela, C. E., & Nord, G. L. (1999). Hydrobiogeochemical Interactions in 'anoxic' Limestone Drains for Neutralization of Acidic Mine Drainage. Fuel, 78(2), 259–270.
Abstract: Processes affecting neutralization of acidic coal mine drainage were evaluated within 'anoxic' limestone drains (ALDs). Influents had pH less than or equal to 3.5 and dissolved oxygen < 2 mg/l. Even though effluents were near neutral (pH > 6 and alkalinity > acidity), two of the four ALDs were failing due to clogging. Mineral-saturation indices indicated the potential for dissolution of calcite and gypsum, and precipitation of Al3+ and Fe3+ compounds. Cleavage mounts of calcite and gypsum that were suspended within the ALDs and later examined microscopically showed dissolution features despite coatings by numerous bacteria, biofilms, and Fe-Al-Si precipitates. In the drain exhibiting the greatest flow reduction, Al-hydroxysulfates had accumulated onlimestone surfaces and calcite etch points, thus causing the decline in transmissivity and dissolution. Therefore, where Al loadings are high and flow rates are low, a pre-treatment step is indicated to promote Al removal before diverting acidic mine water into alkalinity-producing materials. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
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Skousen, J. (1997). Overview of passive systems for treating acid mine drainage. Green Lands, 27(4), 34–43.
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Watzlaf, G. R., Schroeder, K. T., & Kairies, C. L. (2000). Proceedings, 17th Annual National Meeting – American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation. Tampa.
Abstract: Ten passive treatment systems, located in Pennsylvania and Maryland, have been intensively monitored for up to ten years. Influent and effluent water quality data from ten anoxic limestone drains (ALDs) and six reducing and alkalinity-producing systems (RAPS) have been analyzed to determine long-term performance for each of these specific unit operations. ALDs and RAPS are used principally to generate alkalinity, ALDs are buried beds of limestone that add alkalinity through dissolution of calcite. RAPS add alkalinity through both limestone dissolution and bacterial sulfate reduction. ALDs that received mine water containing less than 1 mg/L of both ferric iron and aluminum have continued to produce consistent concentrations of alkalinity since their construction. However, an ALD that received 20 mg/L of aluminum experienced a rapid reduction in permeability and failed within five months. Maximum levels of alkalinity (between 150 and 300 m&) appear to be reached after I5 hours of retention. All but one RAPS in this study have been constructed and put into operation only within the past 2.5 to 5 years. One system has been in operation and monitored for more than nine years. AIkalinity due to sulfate reduction was highest during the first two summers of operation. Alkalinity due to a limestone dissolution has been consistent throughout the life of the system. For the six RAPS in this study, sulfate reduction contributed an average of 28% of the total alkalinity. Rate of total alkalinity generation range from 15.6 gd''rn-'to 62.4 gd-'mL2 and were dependent on influent water quality and contact time.
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Ziemkiewicz, P. F., Skousen, J. G., & Simmons, J. (2003). Long-term Performance of Passive Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Systems. Mine Water Env., 22(3), 118–129.
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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