Optimising the rehabilitation of polluted mine tailings and water by an organic medium passive acid mine drainage treatment in South Africa

Abstract

Up to the present polluted Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) also known as Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) from South Africa's gold mines was treated by the precipitation of heavy metals with lime and expensive caustic soda where the residues accumulate in the treated water. This water then is dispersed into wetlands for natural remediation. The environmental damage to soil is irreversible and can sterilise soil in a very short period while acting as a plant toxin. This study about AMD as one of the biggest environmental problem is carried out using organic and mechanical treatment with an organic medium.