Mine Water

Steiner, Martin; Urso, Laura; Wichterey, Karin; Willrodt, Christine; Beresford, Nicholas A.; Howard, Brenda; Bradshaw, Clare; Stark, Karolina; Dowdall, Mark; Liland, Astrid; Eyrolle-Boyer, Frédérique; Guillevic, Jérôme; Hinton, Thomas; Gashchak, Sergey; Hutri, Kaisa-Leena; Ikäheimonen, Tarja; Muikku, Maarit; Outola, Iisa; Michalik, Bogusław; Mora, Juan Carlos; Real, Almudena; Robles, Beatriz; Oughton, Deborah; Salbu, Brit; Sweeck, Lieve; Yoschenko, Vasyl. 2014. Radioecological observatories: breeding grounds for innovative research. [Extented abstract] In: 3rd International Conference on Radioecology and Environmental Radioactivity, Barcelona, 7-12 Sept 2014.

Multiple sulfur (δ 34 S sulfate , Δ 33 S sulfate , & Δ 36 S sulfate), nitrogen and oxygen (δ 15 N nitrate & δ 18 O nitrate) and strontium (87 Sr/ 86 Sr) isotope compositions of precipitation collected from Seoul, South Korea were analyzed to study the sources, transportation and deposition of air pollutants in East Asia. The δ 34 S sulfate values (from 1.9 to 14.6‰ with a median of 4.7‰) and the δ 15 N nitrate values (from-2.0 to 13.3‰ with a median of 1.0‰) suggest that fossil fuel use (emission from coal combustion and vehicle exhaust) is a predominant source for sulfur and nitrogen, but other natural sources including biogenic contributions of DMS also add to their total budget. The seasonal variations are observed in δ 34 S sulfate and δ 15 N nitrate values (both higher in winter season), which is likely to result from the increase of coal use for domestic heating in China. The δ 18 O nitrate values also varied seasonally depending on the NO x oxidation pathway, being about 20‰ higher in winter than in summer season. The Δ 33 S sulfate and Δ 36 S sulfate values are not anomalous, showing the absence of MIF signals in precipitation of Seoul. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of the precipitation samples range from 0.70988 to 0.71487 with a median of 0.71073, indicating the influence of at least three end-member (silicate dust, carbonate dust and anthropogenic emission). Ionic ratios such as (K + +NH 4 +)/(Ca 2+ +Mg 2+) and Cl-/Na + suggest the overwhelming effect of anthropogenic input rather than carbonate dust on the end-member with lower 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios.

Publicity given to the detrimental effects of minIng activities on the environment hal;! tended to overshadow somewhat the hydrologic opportunities and benefits that could be associated with these activities. For example, many areas disturbed by surface mIning have proved to be excellent recharge areas for groundwater aquifers. The degree to which mine sites can be exploited to improve management of the hydrologic system depends on both the local geology and the mining techniques used. The report examines the effects of present mining activities on the associated hydrologic system, and identifies specifio mining procedures and management techniques which not only minimize negative hydrologic impacts of mining operations, but which also enhance the value of the hydrologic system in terms of existing and potential social uses. Thus, the results of the reseat:ch contr,ibute to the solut ion of present and future hydrologic p'foblems (both ,quantity and quality) associated ,with coal mining in the western U.S. Emphasis is placed on sites which are representative of' both existing and future coal mining areas. The specific objectives of the study are to: 1. Evaluate the potential for using underground coal mines to: a. Tap previously inaccessible groundwater supplies. Reduce the salt load to the Colorado River by decreasing the contact of groundwater with salt-bearing geologic formations. c. Store water in abandoned mines. Consider the potential effects of underground coal mines on water resources. Evaluate the potential of using surface mined areas to collect surface runoff and thus: a. Reduce the sediment loads to the Colorado River, b. Enhance water storage in the basin. Each of the preceding objectives is addressed and discussed by the report in terms of actual coal mines in central Utah. The study suggests not only ways of reducing negative hydrologic impacts of mining operations, but also operational and management mining techniques which will enhance the social use value of the hydrologic systems, and thus, in fact, create hydrologic opportunities.

The authors consider approaches to environmental remediation of the abandoned copper mines at Avoca in Ireland and at Amlwch in Wales, UK in terms of balancing the interests of various stakeholder groups. Water and water quality are essentially heritage concerns. The legacy of mining at Avoca creates the most significant river pollution in Ireland. The problems of Avoca have been considered in their various aspects at different times, generating copious data from various fields of interest. This 'heritage' is currently being explored by scientists from different disciplines through The Celtic Copper Heritage (CCH) initiative which has obtained funding under the EU INTERREG 111A Programme. Heritage and remediation potential is also afforded by combining international understanding with approaches to a similar ore body in Wales which has been worked for the same minerals over history. The similarity of the two places extends to the fact of their both being worked by the same company, owners, miners and mining engineers. The mine sites at Amlwch are included in the International Commission on Monuments and Sites' Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Importance in Wales. The surviving mining heritage has close parallels with that of Avoca. Many studies have been made of both places and their mining impacts. Recently, in Avoca, a pilot water treatment operation was commissioned by the CCH project to quantify process material and costs. A conclusive study for the remediation of the mine water which will include recommendations for the mine sites is soon to be commissioned by the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR). Local heritage issues will feature in this. Actions to treat the mine water discharges will needs to consider a number of variables, including the characteristics and disposal of the residual products of the proposed treatment process.

The phase distribution of trace metals and oxyanions, including U and As, in 2 surface water bodies was investigated within a South Texas watershed hosting a high density of surface U mine pits and tailings. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the environmental legacy of U mining, with particular emphasis on the spatial and temporal variability of water quality in Lake Corpus Christi, a downstream reservoir that serves as the major water resource to a population of $350,000 people in the region. Lyssy Pond, a livestock pond bordered by U mine tailings, was used as a model casestudy site to evaluate the cycling of U mine-derived oxyanions under changing redox conditions. Although the pond showed seasonal thermal and chemical stratification, geochemical cycling of metals was limited to Co and Pb, which was correlated with redox cycling of Mn mineral phases, and U, which suggested reductive precipitation in the pond's hypolimnion. Uranium levels, however, were too low to support strong inputs from the tailings into the water column of the pond. The strong relationships observed between particulate Cr, Cs, V, and Fe suggest that these metals are associated with a stable particulate phase (probably allochthonous alumino-silicates) enriched in unreactive Fe. This observation is supported by a parallel relationship in sediments collected across a broad range of sediment depositional processes (and histories) in the basin. Arsenic, though selectively enriched in the pond's water column, was dominated by dissolved species throughout the depth of the profile and showed no sign of geochemical cycling or interaction with Fe-rich particles. Arsenic (and other oxyanions) in the water columns of Lake Corpus Christi and Lyssy pond were not affected by the abundant presence of Fe-rich particles but instead behaved conservatively. No evidence was found of anthropogenic impacts of U mines beyond the purely local scale. Arsenic's presence within the Nueces drainage basin is related to interactions between surface and groundwaters with U-and As-rich geological formations rather than largescale transport of contaminants downstream of the U mine pits and tailings. A quantitative mass balance model, constructed using monthly hydrological data for the reservoir, provides quantitative evidence of seasonal evaporative concentration of As in surface waters demonstrating the predominance of hydrodynamic over geochemical constraints, on the cycling of this element.

In many regions of the world, flooded mines are a potentially cost-effective option for heating and cooling using geothermal heat pump systems. For example, a single coal seam in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio contains 5.1 x 10 12 L of water. The growing volume of water discharging from this one coal seam totals 380,000 L/min, which could theoretically heat and cool 20,000 homes. Using the water stored in the mines would conservatively extend this option to an order of magnitude more sites. Based on current energy prices, geothermal heat pump systems using mine water could reduce annual costs for heating by 67% and cooling by 50% over conventional methods (natural gas or heating oil and standard air conditioning).

The Rosice-Oslavany coal mine district is the oldest coal mine district in the Czech Republic. The present time flow conditions are dominantly determined by the old mine galleries and pits. Conceptual numerical groundwater flow model was constructed to specify the changes between the groundwater flow regime at the time before beginning of the mining, as well as the regime at present time, when the mine working is already abandoned. It shows significant influence the mine working has on groundwater circulation.

Composition and layout by Lisa Van Doren. EDITOR'S NOTE: This guidebook has only been cursorily edited and has not been reviewed for scientifi c accuracy. All fi gures in this guidebook are presented as they were received from the authors except for resizing that was necessary for formatting. Units of measurement are also the same as originally received. The views and interpretations expressed herein are those of the authors; the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey does not make any warranty, expressed or implied, nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy of this product. Cover illustration: Acid mine drainage from the Majestic Mine, Athens County, Ohio. An apron of ferric hydroxide that has accumulated over about 70 years is visible in the foreground.

The strategic documents of the state provide for inclusive and green growth aimed at the inclusion of society in the development of the state. It causes the need to highlight the main components of growth and guidelines for their calculation. The international community moved away from using the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of economic development, and started measuring growth by calculating the Inclusive Development Index. The study conducted in the article is concentrated on the main directions of the international community development, which focus on assessment of the mineral resource management as one of the levers of increasing the production efficiency and taxes distribution. This article suggests to improve the rent payments for the minerals extraction through a correction factor, since the Tax Code of Ukraine does not take into account the multifunctionality of the territory where these resources are mined. The coefficient is estimated to vary from 1.25 to 2.0,...

High alkalinity (pH>12) of bauxite residue leachates presents challenges for the long-term storage and managements of the residue. Recent evidence has highlighted the potential for constructed wetlands to effectively buffer the alkalinity, but there is limited evidence on the potential for wetland plants to establish and grow in soils inundated with residue leachate. A pot based trial was conducted to investigate the potential for Phragmites australis to establish and grow in substrate treated with residue leachate over a pH range of 8.6-11.1. The trial ran for 3 months, after which plant growth and biomass were determined. Concentrations of soluble and exchangeable trace elements in the soil substrate, and also in the aboveground and belowground biomass were determined. Residue leachate pH did not affect plant biomass or microbial biomass. With the exception of Na there was no effect on exchangeable trace elements in the substrate, however increases in soluble metals (As, Cd, Na) were observed with increasing leachate concentration. Furthermore, increases in Al, As and V were observed in belowground biomass and for Cd and Cr in aboveground biomass. Concentrations within the vegetation biomass were less than critical phytotoxic levels. Results demonstrate the ability for P. australis to grow in bauxite residue leachate inundated growth media without adverse effects.

Main purpose of this paper is to determine the mineralogical composition and mechanical properties of the Tarkwaian Supergroup and compare them. This project will help determine whether the rock units of the Tarkwaian Supergroup are competent based on their mineral contents and strength of the rocks to be quarried and used as aggregates for construction and also determine the structural features that were formed in the various rock units due to the deformation that took place. Values obtained from the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test were (21.50-77.10) N/mm 2 with the Kawere conglomerate having the lowest, and Tarkwa Phyllite having the highest strength. The Huni sandstone, Banket Quartzite and Kawere conglomerate were classified as weak rocks, but the Tarkwa Phyllite was classified as a medium rock, according to classification. The Huni sandstone, Banket Quartzite and Kawere conglomerate are made up of grains of varying degrees of roundness and maturity. The Huni sandstone, Banket Quartzite, and Tarkwa Phyllite exhibit foliation. Micro-folding is also observed in the Kawere conglomerate. Petrographic studies of the rocks classify them as metasedimentary rocks weathering. Based on the weak strengths of the various rock units, they are not suitable to be used as aggregates for construction but can be used for other purposes such as construction sand and dimension stones.

To assess the loading profiles of groundwater nitrate (NO3 -) and fluoride (F -), spatial distributions, geochemistry and associated health risks were determined for 131 groundwater samples from Eastern (ESR), Central (CSR) and Trans-Indus Salt Ranges (TSR) in Pakistan. Groundwater NO3 - concentrations were 0.2-308 mg/L (mean 59 mg/L) in ESR, 2.7-203 mg/L (mean 73 mg/L) in CSR and 1.1-259 mg/L (mean 69 mg/L) in the TSR. Forty-one %, 57 %, and 36% of the ESR, CSR and TSR samples, respectively, exceeded the WHO and Pak-NEQs permissible limit of 50 mg/L NO3 - . Likewise, groundwater F -concentrations ranged from 0.1-1.8 mg/L (mean 0.6 mg/L), 0.1-2.7 mg/L (mean 0.9 mg/L) and 0.3-2.5 mg/L (mean 1.6 mg/L) mg/L in the ESR, CSR, and TSR sites, respectively. In this case, 3 %, 17 %, and 27% of the ESR, CSR, and TSR samples, respectively, exceeded the WHO and Pak-NEQs permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L F. Oxidation of coal and coal waste resulted in release of NO3 -to groundwater. By contrast, enrichment of F -in groundwater was due to dissolution and cation exchange processes. Elevated values of the Higher Pollution Index (PI) and Health Risk Index (HRI) reflect a non-acceptable carcinogenic risk for drinking water NO3 -and F -which should be addressed at priority basis in order to protect human health.

The abandoned mining area of Valdicastello Carducci (Tuscany, Italy) is characterized by the massive presence of thallium in the acid mine drainages and in the valley stream crossing the region. We previously found that Tl(III), generally considered the less stable oxidation state of thallium, is present both in the stream and in tap water distributed in the area, whereas acid mine drainages only contain Tl(I). These findings posed some concern related to the reactivity and dispersion of this toxic element in the environment. Since the valence state of thallium determines its toxicity, distribution and mobility, the study of thallium redox speciation appears crucial to understand its environmental behaviour. In this work, water samples collected from the mine drainages and the contaminated stream were adopted as model to study the distribution of aqueous Tl(I)/Tl(III) as a function of light exposure and solution properties and composition. The influence of three light sources and organic acids was 2 evaluated. Thallium speciation was also assessed in tap water after treatment with common oxidizing agents, and in the rust crust collected from the public waterworks.

Coal mining has an impact on the water management of the water scarce Upper Olifants River Catchment. A pre-feasibility study was done by Anglo Coal and Ingwe Collieries Limited to establish the water supply and demand in the catchment. A geo-hydrological model was used for the coalfields to determine the stored water and excess water available. Two distinct collective and treatment systems were proposed for the Witbank and Middelburg areas to treat excess water from the Anglo Coal and Ingwe Collieries Limited. The Emalahleni Water Reclamation Project for Witbank was initiated first. Water management and treatment experience gained at Anglo Coal was the cornerstone to develop the collection, treatment and distribution system. A pre-screening selection process was used to short list the water treatment technology suppliers. A full enquiry was issued to Keyplan, Veolia, Bateman Africa and IST Technik to construct, commission, operate and maintain a 20 Ml/day desalination plant to treat acidic, saline mine waters to a SANS 0241 Class 0 potable water. The technical adjudication process was done using twelve elements for evaluation and the tenderers were ranked accordingly. A financial adjudication process was done by comparing the tenderers costs on a 20 year life cycle analysis, including waste disposal. Keyplan were selected as the preferred water treatment supply company based on the technical and financial adjudication.

In this work the results on the batch and column adsorption of copper and some associated ions by employing linden and poplar sawdust as a low-cost adsorbent are presented. The mine water from a local abandoned copper mine, as well as synthetic solutions of those ions which are the main constituents of the mine water were both used as a model-system in this study. The adsorption ability of the chosen sawdust to adsorb heavy metal ions is considered as a function of the initial pH of the solution and kind of metal ions. At lower pH of solutions the adsorption percentage (AD %) decreases leading to a zero AD % at pH < 1.1. Maximum AD % is achieved at 3.5 < pH < 5. It was found that poplar and linden sawdust have both almost equal adsorption capacities against copper ions. The highest AD % ( ?80%) was achieved for Cu2+, while for Fe2+ it was slightly above 10%. The other considered ions (Zn2+ and Mn2+) were within this interval. The results obtained in the batch mode were veri...

purpose. To develop an algorithm of forecasting the methane emission from the undermined coalrock massif according to the data of coal production, the values of absolute methane content of a mine and indexes of the methanebearing capacity of coal beds that are developed. Methodology. Statistical processing of actual data concerning the methanebearing capacity of coal beds that are developed as well as the volumes of methane emission and coal production. Based on the obtained stable values of the specific methane emis sion and the volumes of coal production, the total volumes of methane entry are calculated, and with the exception of methane release from the coal beds, the volumes of methane entry from the coalrock massif are estimated. findings. The algorithm of forecasting the quantity evaluation for methane emission from the undermined coalrock massif in operating coal mines is developed. Data analysis 10 years concerning the methane emission while coal beds mining at "Pivdenno Donbaska1" and "PivdennoDonbaska3" mines has been carried out for. An algorithm has been developed for the forecasting factor of methane emission from the undermined coalrock massif, which consists in establishing generalized values of methane emissions into a mine, calculating specific methane emissions from coal, based on the natural and residual methane bearing ca pacity of coal beds that are developed and a rough estimate for the amount of methane emission from the rock massif containing working coal beds. originality. The algorithm for quantitative estimation of methane emission separately from the undermined coalrock massif was developed for the first time, and examples of its practical application by calculation of mining and geological data at "Piv dennoDonbaska1" and "PivdennoDonbaska3" mines are presented. practical values. The developed algorithm for calculating methane emission from the undermined coalrock massif can be used to forecast the methane emission of operating and closed mines in order to evaluate the possibility of its practical industrial pro duction.

The European "Water Framework Directive" meant a significant change in the administration of many water catchment areas. That change also affected the administration of mine water discharges and in consequence the necessary measures of mine operators or regulatory authorities to manage those discharges. Due to the differences in the water and especially mine water legislation in the European countries the EU FW6 project ERMITE (Environmental Regulation of Mine Waters in the European Union) investigated those differences by addressing the many facets of Nations and disciplines involved.

Rare earth elements (REE) in mine waters from two European mines are analysed and discussed: Straßberg/Harz (Germany) and Georgi-Unterbau/Tyrol (Austria). From the REE patterns differences in the mine and surface waters can be seen, which are attributed to the mineralogy. Furthermore, the REEs' qualities as natural tracers are described and the results interpreted in conjunction with the findings of artificial tracer tests conducted at the two sites. Accordingly, REEs can be used as natural tracers in mines to study stratification and hydrodynamic conditions.

Doctor rerum naturalium habilitatus Dr. rer. nat. habil. vorgelegt der Fakultät für Geowissenschaften, Geotechnik und Bergbau an der TU Bergakademie Freiberg von Dr. rer. nat. Christian Wolkersdorfer geboren am 17. Februar 1964 in Schwabach/Mittelfranken Freiberg/Sachsen, am 9.3.2006 Water Management at Abandoned Flooded Underground Mines

European Union legislation strongly influences approaches to mine waste / water management in Europe. However, because Europe-wide legislation is subject to national-level transposition and implementation, the overall picture of mine waste / water management in Europe is complex. There are nevertheless some research and development themes that are common across Europe. These include efforts to improve characterisation and prediction of drainage, the development of small-footprint passive treatment systems, and the development of approaches for compiling risk-based inventories of mine wastes at a national scale. In addition, there is an increasing emphasis on identifying more sustainable approaches to mine waste and water management, such as the use of waste products for remediation, and the recovery of valuable metals from abandoned mine waste streams. There is also a collective concern to understand, and therefore avoid in the future, catastrophic tailings dam failures, such as tha...

A review of existing legislation in the light of recent major dam failures (Aznalcóllar, Spain, 1998; Baia Mare, 2000, Romania) highlights the need to develop appropriate regulations at the regional, national, and European Union (EU) levels. Although mining incidents as a result of dam failures are very conspicuous, chronic problems related to waters from mining voids and tailings are also very significant. In that sense, though mine waters are an integral part of the water cycle, they are rarely regulated as such. Ongoing discussions with Member States and stakeholders are focusing on mining wastes rather than mine water. Regulating only mine waste handling facilities and ignoring the mine voids would in many cases miss the main long-term pollutant source. Planned changes in EU environmental legislation with regard to mining cannot be properly understood outside of worldwide developments in this area. Adequate management of applied scientific research initiatives and policy formulation is crucial to satisfactory outcomes at EU and global levels. At the EU level, this interface is exemplified by the nature and anticipated outcomes of two EU-funded research projects (ERMITE and PIRAMID). Ways in which policy-focused deliverables are being developed by these projects, which interface science, engineering, and policy, are highlighted. This review of EU legislation not only highlights the difficulty of clearly assigning liability for mining contamination, but also the dilemma between the promotion of sustainable development (through the EU environmental legislation) and the irreversible nature of the exploitation of mineral deposits.

Mining usually causes severe anthropogenic changes by which the ground-or surface water might be significantly polluted. One of the main problems in the mining industry are acid mine drainage, the drainage of heavy metals, and the prediction of mine water rebound after mine closure. Therefore, the knowledge about the hydraulic behaviour of the mine water within the flooded mine might significantly reduce the costs of mine closure and remediation. In the literature, the difficulties in evaluating the hydrodynamics of flooded mines are well described, but only few tracer tests in flooded mines have been published so far. Most tracer tests linked to mine water problems were related to either pollution of the aquifer or radioactive waste disposal and not the mine water itself. Applying the results of the test provides possibilities for optimizing the outcome of the source-path-target methodology and therefore diminishes the costs of remediation strategies. Consequently, prior to planning of remediation strategies or numerical simulations, relatively cheap and reliable results for decision making can be obtained via a well conducted tracer test.

This paper describes the hydrodynamic processes within the flooded underground mine of Freiberg (Himmelfarth Fundgrube) and quantifies the amount of mine water which rises in the Reiche Zeche Shaft up to the Rothschönberg adit. Due to inaccessibility of the flooded part of the shaft Reiche Zeche between 229 m and 724 m below the surface, passive methods were used for determining flow direction and velocity. Five tracer tests were conducted with Na-fluorescein (uranine) which was injected depth-orientated into the mine water by use of the LydiA-technique. A first test 40 m below the water table confirmed the obvious upwelling of the water. From the injected Nafluorescein, 80 % (11.98 g) could be detected with a fluorimeter. The mean velocity was calculated to be 0.74 m min -1 . Three more tracer tests at depths of 65 m and 324 m below the water table and a previous one in 2002 did not increase the concentration of Na-fluorescein at the outflow. As failing of the opening mechanism of the LydiAs can be excluded, it must be assumed that no water from those depths is upwelling in the shaft.

This paper describes a mine water tracer test in a flooded Germany underground limestone mine. Uranine was injected at two locations and the tracer concentration measured with an on-line fluorimeter. The breakthrough curve shows two peaks, relating to the two injection sites. Background values were reached after 24 months making this tracer test the longest mine water tracer test ever. Mean effective velocities range between 0.1 and 0.5md.¹ indicating a slow water circulation. The paper concludes that low effective velocities are an indication for mines with a simple geometry and that simple mine geometries facilitate stratification and a lower pollution potential.

This paper presents experimental studies and first results of a pilot scale RAPS-treatment system to reduce the high iron content of an iron rich mine water. In 1985, economic reasons caused the closure of the fluorspar mine "Hohe Warte" near Gernrode in the German Harz Mountains. Though remediation works were conducted in the preceding years, mine water is currently flowing out freely of the dewatering adit and is impacting the environment and the receiving brook. The mine water is characterised by low pH-values, high conductivities and contains considerable amounts of iron, manganese, and arsenic. Annually, the mine discharges 0.7 Mio m 3 of mine water with 7.8 tons of iron, 3.8 kg of manganese, 13 kg of arsenic, and 2,5 kg of uranium. Therefore, the discharging mine water has a great potential to affect the quality of the receiving streams and resulted in a decrease of biological diversity. Based on hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigations, a passive treatment system would be able to treat the mine water. In February 2003 a pilot system was installed near the dewatering adit consisting of a settlement pond, a RAPS system (reducing and alkalinity producing system) and a constructed wetland. It could be shown that this passive system was able to treat an aliquot of the mine water down to ecologically acceptable standards.

A comparative review of mineral-specific radionuclide sorption databases created for performance assessment and reported in both the open literature and "grey literature" (e.g. technical reports) has in part shown poor quality of documentation describing the database selection procedures. Inadequate information is available on the chemical species of the radionuclide under consideration and the laboratory conditions for determining Kd-values. Sorption data derived from literature are neither comparable nor generally applicable due to the wide range in the composition of the aqueous and the solid phases applied in migration experiments. Subsequently, standardized characterization and determination procedures are needed. To improve the reliability of a mathematical model for the prediction of radienuclide sorption on cementitious and ash-type binder materials, determination of mineral-specific sorption coefficients is indispensable.

The Texas Mining and Reclamation Association (TMRA) has sponsored a soil sample round robin program since 1990. To date, 17 different soil samples (including blind duplicate samples M and P) have been analyzed in a series of six rounds of analysis. Five laboratories have participated in this program. Three of these were commercial laboratories, one was an electric utility's in-house laboratory, and one was the state regulatory authority's laboratory. Samples submitted for analysis included minesoils and native soils. Results indicate that average inter-laboratory variability was approximately five times greater than intra-laboratory variability. The level of variation was affected by the sample being analyzed and the analytical parameter that was involved. The larger inter-laboratory variability suggest that a greater convergence of analytical results may be attained through a rigorous examination of individual laboratory methodologies and implementation of widely-used standard operating procedures (SOPs). An examination of coefficient of variation (C.V.) data from twelve analytical parameters indicated that pH was the least variable and trace elements were among the most variable. The inclusion of near minimum detection level (MDL) values tended to increase the C.V. of data. Analyses of variance (ANOV A) indicated that the sources of variation of most parameters were inconsistent over time. Differences in equipment, sample extraction, and personnel could also account for different values among the laboratories. Analytical parameters that exhibited a sample by laboratory (S XL) interaction suggest that there was inconsistency among laboratories over time. Samples M and P were blind duplicates of the same sample, included in the round robin to assess the precision of the participating laboratories. Results of samples M and P indicate that there was either a significant laboratory main-effect or S X L interaction for most of the analytical parameters, suggesting that either lab inconsistencies or sample heterogeneity could be the cause. The use of a standard reference material (SRM), with known parameter values, can help identify which laboratories are accurate. There are analytical considerations that require attention, such as sample preparation and pretreatment, sample extraction, and both determinate and indeterminate errors. Sample preparation is a critical step where variability can be introduced. The development and implementation ofSOPs are essential steps for any laboratory. The variable results obtained by the TMRA round robin program illustrate the need for QA/QC procedures and the use of good laboratory practices. The program's results also prompted the following questions: 1) are the levels of variability of sufficient importance to warrant additional research and 2) are there practical mine reclamation implications to the variability exhibited in the round robin data?

We re-evaluate the cycling of molybdenum (Mo) and rhenium (Re) in the near-surface environment. World river average Mo and Re concentrations, initially based on a handful of rivers, are calculated using 38 rivers representing five continents, and 11 of 19 large-scale drainage regions. Our new river concentration estimates are 8.0 nmol kg À1 (Mo), and 16.5 pmol kg À1 (Re, natural + anthropogenic). The linear relationship of dissolved Re and SO 2À 4 in global rivers (R 2 = 0.76) indicates labile continental Re is predominantly hosted within sulfide minerals and reduced sediments; it also provides a means of correcting for the anthropogenic contribution of Re to world rivers using independent estimates of anthropogenic sulfate. Approximately 30% of Re in global rivers is anthropogenic, yielding a pre-anthropogenic world river average of 11.2 pmol Re kg À1 . The potential for anthropogenic contribution is also seen in the non-negligible Re concentrations in precipitation (0.03-5.9 pmol kg À1 ), and the nmol kg À1 level Re concentrations of mine waters. The linear Mo-SO 2À 4 relationship (R 2 = 0.69) indicates that the predominant source of Mo to rivers is the weathering of pyrite. An anthropogenic Mo correction was not done as anthropogenically-influenced samples do not display the unambiguous metal enrichment observed for Re. Metal concentrations in high temperature hydrothermal fluids from the Manus Basin indicate that calculated end-member fluids (i.e. Mg-free) yield negative Mo and Re concentrations, showing that Mo and Re can be removed more quickly than Mg during recharge. High temperature hydrothermal fluids are unimportant sinks relative to their river sources 0.4% (Mo), and 0.1% (pre-anthropogenic Re). We calculate new seawater response times of 4.4 Â 10 5 yr (s Mo ) and 1.3 Â 10 5 yr (s Re , preanthropogenic).

In the present period of time, the huge amount of overburden (OB) dump materials generation has posed a serious threat to the densely populated mining areas such as Jharia coalfield, Dhanbad. The overburden materials are generally loose, highly prone to rain washing, and smaller particles generated out of these get spread over the nearby surface water bodies. This paper shows the levels of trace elements leaching from overburden materials of some selected dumps sites in Jharia coalfield (JCF). It indicates the level of contamination of surface water with several trace metals present in overburden materials and do not pose any harmful effect on water bodies. [Report and Opinion 2010;2(7):59-64].

The impact of discharges from abandoned metal and ironstone mines has been muchstudied form of aquatic pollution in recent decades. Few attempts however, have been made to accurately determine the overall contaminant mass flux arising from abandoned mine sites at scales above catchment level. Such assessments are critical to determine the significance of former mining to national, regional and ultimately global trace metal flux. This paper presents the most comprehensive national survey to date across England and Wales of the total pollution burden discharged at source from abandoned non-coal mine sites. 338 discharges have been identified (from 4923 known abandoned mines) and while concurrent flow and contaminant concentration records are only available for around 30% of these, significant quantities of metals (and As) have been quantified to be discharged. A minimum of 193 tonnes of Zn, 18.5 tonnes of Pb, 0.64 tonnes Cd, 19.1 tonnes of Cu, 551 tonnes Fe, 72 tonnes Mn and 5.1 tonnes As are released in water discharges from abandoned non-coal mines to the surface water environment of England and Wales each year. Precautionary extrapolation of mass fluxes based on the frequency distribution of measured concentration and flow data, for discharges with absent data, suggests the actual total mass flux for these contaminants could be up to 41% higher. The mass flux of Pb released from mines exceeds that of all currently permitted discharges (e.g. active industrial sites and wastewater treatment works) to surface waters across England and Wales, while those of As, Cd and Zn are of a similar magnitude. This data puts into context the enduring legacy of historic mining on the water environment, highlighting its significance relative to more highly regulated polluting sites. Comparison of the figures with estimates of global trace metal flux suggests that the national total identified here is significant on a global scale.

Stochastic water quality models provide a mechanism to estimate uncertainty in water quality model inputs. is approach requires tting an input dataset to a statistical distribution, which is entered into the model as a Probability Distribution Function (PDF). e input PDFs are randomly sampled at user-de ned intervals using the Monte Carlo method to generate a model input time series for the duration of the model run. A stochastic water quality model was developed to support the Environmental Assessment and Water Licence Permit applications for the Jay Project, a new open pit development at the Ekati diamond mine, located in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Model input PDFs were developed using existing seepage monitoring data from a surrogate waste rock storage area at the mine selected to represent the drainage water quality for the Jay Waste Rock Storage Area (WRSA). e total drainage from the Jay WRSA is estimated to be small in comparison to other mine site ows (e.g., Jay Pit g...

Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) using fly ash (FA) has been investigated extensively and it has been demonstrated that significant levels of toxic elements can be removed by precipitation, co-precipitation and adsorption. Treatment of AMD using alkalis and FA has been investigated and the chemistry of toxic metal removal is well understood. This treatment method was studied extensively from the laboratory to jet loop reactor pilot plant 80 L capacity and the results were successful, reducing sulphate by 7090%, while removing most toxic metals. Based on preliminary results, a large-scale jet loop reactor pilot plant of 1000 L capacity was designed and constructed for the treatment of AMD using South African coal fly ash. AMD from a selected coalmine was treated with different amount of fly ash from a Free State power station. After characterisation by XRF, it was observed that the ash was ASTM C618 Class F fly ash with CaO by mass at 4.61 %. Treatment of AMD using different AMD...

SulfateZero is an innovative, modular, and cost-effective system designed to remove sulfate from industrial water discharges at steel production sites, such as U.S. Steel's Keetac plant. This solution integrates three complementary treatment components—a biological reduction module, a chemical polishing unit, and a filtration/concentration system—to effectively bring sulfate concentrations to compliant levels. The system is engineered for scalability, minimal maintenance, and low energy requirements, making it ideal for deployment in cold-climate, high-throughput industrial settings like Keetac. SulfateZero addresses both regulatory compliance and operational sustainability while minimizing secondary waste and environmental impacts

Flooding of abandoned mines may have a major impact in groundwater quality. Predicting the long-term evolution of the water quality is, therefore, a relevant matter for environmental management. The Ratones uranium mine was abandoned and flooded in 1974. Due to its reducing underground environment uranium concentration is very low, although some points show high concentration in Fe and As. Within the works prior to a remediation strategy, reactive transport modelling were performed of the mine and surrounding groundwater system. The results of the calculations were compared with analyses of groundwater samples collected in selected points. Modelling based on water-rock reactions taking place only in the mine galleries indicates the rapid exhaustion of dissolved oxygen and predicts solute concentrations that are much lower than those measured in the boreholes. In contrast, modelling that includes weathering processes taking place in the unsaturated zone of the surrounding rock indicates high dissolution of minerals (even if present in small amounts) and concentrations of solutes and values of pH and redox potential that better match the measured values. Therefore, current models based only on water-rock reactions in the walls of the mine galleries may clearly underestimate the impact of mineralization in groundwater, and processes taking place in the shallow surrounding rock must also be considered

Column experiments, simulating the behavior of passive treatment systems for acid mine drainage, have been performed. Acid solutions (HCl or H 2 SO 4 , pH 2), with initial concentrations of Fe(III) ranging from 250 to 1500 ppm, were injected into column reactors packed with calcite grains at a constant flow rate. The composition of the solutions was monitored during the experiments. At the end of the experiments (passivation of the columns), the composition and structure of the solids were measured. The dissolution of calcite in the columns caused an increase in pH and the release of Ca into the solution, leading to the precipitation of gypsum and Fe-oxyhydroxysulfates (Fe(III)-SO 4 -H + solutions) or Fe-oxyhydroxychlorides (Fe(III)-Cl-H + solutions). The columns worked as an efficient barrier for some time, increasing the pH of the circulating solutions from 2 to ~ 6-7 and removing its metal content. However, after some time (several weeks, depending on the conditions), the columns became chemically inert. The results showed that passivation time increased with decreasing anion and metal content of the solutions. Gypsum was the phase responsible for the passivation of calcite in the experiments with Fe(III)-SO 4 -H + solutions. Schwertmannite and goethite appeared as the Fe(III) secondary phases in those experiments. Akaganeite was the phase responsible for the passivation of the system in the experiments with Fe(III)-Cl-H + solutions.

Two pilot plant products containing 65 and 45% NaP1 zeolite were obtained from two Spanish coal fly ashes (Narcea and Teruel Power Station, respectively). The zeolitic product obtained showed a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 2.7 and 2.0 mequiv/g, respectively. Decontamination tests of three acid mine waters from southwestern Spain were carried out using the zeolite derived from fly ash and commercial synthetic zeolite. The results demonstrate that the zeolitic material could be employed for heavy metal uptake in the water purification process. Doses of 5-30 g of zeolite/L have been applied according on the zeolite species and the heavy metal levels. Moreover, the application of zeolites increases the pH. This causes metalbearing solid phases to precipitate and enhances the efficiency of the decontamination process.

The microbial composition of acid streamers (macroscopic biofilms) in acidic, metal-rich waters in two locations (an abandoned copper mine and a chalybeate spa) in north Wales was studied using cultivationbased and biomolecular techniques. Known chemolithotrophic and heterotrophic acidophiles were readily isolated from disrupted streamers, but they accounted for only <1 to 7% of the total microorganisms present. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that 80 to 90% of the microbes in both types of streamers were ␤-Proteobacteria. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the streamers suggested that a single bacterial species was dominant in the copper mine streamers, while two distinct bacteria (one of which was identical to the bacterium found in the copper mine streamers) accounted for about 90% of the streamers in the spa water. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries showed that the ␤-proteobacterium found in both locations was closely related to a clone detected previously in acid mine drainage in California and that its closest characterized relatives were neutrophilic ammonium oxidizers. Using a modified isolation technique, this bacterium was isolated from the copper mine streamers and shown to be a novel acidophilic autotrophic iron oxidizer. The ␤-proteobacterium found only in the spa streamers was closely related to the neutrophilic iron oxidizer Gallionella ferruginea. FISH analysis using oligonucleotide probes that targeted the two ␤-proteobacteria confirmed that the biodiversity of the streamers in both locations was very limited. The microbial compositions of the acid streamers found at the two north Wales sites are very different from the microbial compositions of the previously described acid streamers found at Iron Mountain, California, and the Rio Tinto, Spain.