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Challenges of Passive Treatment of Metal Mine Drainage in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Southern Spain): Preliminary Studies

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Tobias Roetting

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Abstract

AMD in the Iberian Pyrite Belt is a problem of global scale. Successful implementation of passive treatment systems could remediate at least part of this problem at reasonable costs. However, initial trials with ALD and RAPS based on gravel size limestone failed due to rapid passivation and plugging. Limestone buffered organic substrate (LBOS), which employs fine-grained limestone in an organic matrix, is an attractive alternative to conventional RAPS or ALD substrates, because it combines high reactivity with low plugging. However, LBOS has only been tested on ferric-iron waters, while our target AMD is mainly ferrous iron. Due to the high ferrous to ferric iron ratio, we envision a LBOS treatment system that relies on sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) in addition to the fine-grained limestone in the substrate. This study presents preliminary batch and column trials on reactivity and hydraulic properties. Other challenges include finding appropriate and locally available LBOS components. Tested substrates include compost, wood chips, limestone screenings and sugar beet lime. Results show that only some SRB types tolerate the high metal concentrations. Reactors with SRB activity produce higher alkalinity, but support lower flow rates than reactors based on limestone dissolution only.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Rötting T, Thomas RC, Ayora C, Carrera J

Editor(s): Barnhisel RI

Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)

Publication status: Published

Conference Name: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage

Year of Conference: 2006

Pages: 1753-1767

Publisher: American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Lexington, KY


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