Abstract
During coal mining, water resources may be polluted by acid mine drainage (AMD) if appropriate measures are not taken. AMD releases metals to the environment, which can be harmful to aquatic species and reduce biodiversity. There is a great deal of information available in the literature on the generation and treatment of AMD and this paper tries to summarize some of them in order to facilitate the choice of the most appropriate method for AMD treatment at a specific mining site. The objective of this study was to identify and describe different methods of treating polluted water from coal mining, and to discuss the choice of suitable methods at specific mining sites. Both active and passive methods of AMD treatment are discussed in order to provide a general picture of the measures that have been taken around the world by coal mining companies. From this study, we were able to conclude that in order to choose the appropriate method for a specific mining site it is necessary to analyze the chemistry of the acid water and the flow rate from that site. The cost, implementability and effectiveness of the method should also be considered. Minimizing the amount of drainage water generated is naturally the first choice of management strategy and the containment of the AMD is the second choice. The third alternative is the treatment of the wastewater.
Highlights
Coal mining plays an important role worldwide in both the energy and metallurgical industries
Aeration increases the level of dissolved oxygen (DO), promoting the oxidation of iron and manganese, which increases the efficiency of chemical treatment and reduces costs
These tables can be used to help decide which active or passive treatment is most suitable for a certain Acid mine drainage (AMD)
Summary
Coal mining plays an important role worldwide in both the energy and metallurgical industries. Thermal coal for the production of electricity and coking coal for steel production are the main products of the coal mining industry. Coal mining activities produce solid waste, and air and water pollutants. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is the main environmental problem caused by mining activities. How to cite this paper: Pondja Jr., E.A., Persson, K.M. and Matsinhe, N.P. (2014) A Survey of Experience Gained from the Treatment of Coal Mine Wastewater. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 6, 1646-1658.
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