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PASSIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR TREATMENT OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE FROM THE AREA AROUND -RADKA- MINE IN BULGARIA
Abstract
Passive acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment technologies are technically simplified systems that allow easy control, low capital and operational expenditures, and operating regime that is resilient to varying conditions. Classical technologies for the treatment of AMD with high metal content are based on the process of chemical neutralization. The most commonly used materials or reagents to induce passive neutralization are lime (slaked or quicklime), limestone, soda ash, magnesium hydroxide as well as industrial waste materials. The aim of this paper was to assess the water quality of the AMD in the abandoned -Radka- mine area and to determine an appropriate cost-effective method for passive treatment of the AMD infiltration flow that reaches the -Luda Yana- riverbed. Experiments with laboratory-scale columns filled with three combinations of passive filtration media and real water from the -Radka- mine were used. The water quality parameters were preliminary determined and a combination of low pH with high concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn were detected. Then the water was fed to the three columns with a hydraulic retention time that approximated the real on-site underground flow of the AMD towards the riverbed. The three columns were loaded with 1) limestone and quartz sand; 2) limestone and zeolite, and 3) limestone and granulated steel slag. All three showed promising results with the highest treatment efficiency reached by the column loaded with limestone and zeolite. Finally, a full-scale design of a passive mining wastewater treatment technology using an open alkalizing channel is proposed.
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References12
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