Chapter 6 - Current Methods for the Remediation of Acid Mine Drainage Including Continuous Removal of Metals From Wastewater and Mine Dump

Abstract

The remediation of acid mine drainage (AMD) in terms of effluents/dumps treatment can be highly complicated due to several factors to be considered such as, but not limited to, its composition. The majority of economically mine deposits are associated with potentially hazardous trace and harmful elements. AMD is water body rich in acidic metal formed by the reaction between the water and rock containing sulfur-bearing minerals. In the last twodecades, researchers have used various techniques such as chemical precipitation, solvent extraction, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, organic and inorganic ion exchange, and adsorption in mine water/dump treatment. The importance, achievements, and limitations of various techniques with references to their major functions were identified in this section. In this regard, comprehensive investigation was done on the previous and recent/novel methods in reversing the environmental damages caused by AMD. Moreover, technology screening in selecting suitable treatment technique based on the factors such as cost, appropriateness, health and environmental impact, public perception, and acceptance of the techniques was analyzed based on the literature review.