Acid mine drainage

Acid Mine Drainage

Acid mine drainage (pronunciation: /ˈæsɪd maɪn ˈdreɪnɪdʒ/), often abbreviated as AMD, is the outflow of acidic water from metal mines or coal mines. Acid mine drainage is one of the most significant environmental challenges associated with mining operations worldwide.

Etymology

The term "acid mine drainage" originates from the process that it describes. The word "acid" refers to the acidic water that is produced, "mine" refers to the mining operations from which the water originates, and "drainage" refers to the outflow of this water.

Causes

Acid mine drainage is primarily caused by the oxidation of pyrite (FeS2), a common mineral found in sulfide minerals. When pyrite is exposed to air and water, it undergoes a chemical reaction that produces sulfuric acid and iron(II) ions. This process is often accelerated by certain bacteria, such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

Effects

The acidic water produced by acid mine drainage can have severe environmental impacts. It can contaminate surface water and groundwater, harm aquatic life, and damage infrastructure. In addition, the high concentrations of metals in the water can pose a risk to human health.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing acid mine drainage involves minimizing the exposure of sulfide minerals to air and water. This can be achieved through various methods, such as backfilling mines and covering waste rock with soil or water. Treatment of acid mine drainage typically involves neutralizing the acidity of the water and removing the metals. This can be done through chemical treatment, biological treatment, or passive treatment systems.

Related Terms

• Acid Rock Drainage (ARD)
• Metal leaching
• Water pollution
• Environmental impact of mining

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Acid mine drainage
• Wikipedia's article - Acid mine drainage

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