Studies on environmental impact of acid mine drainage generation and its treatment : an appraisal

Abstract

Acid mine drainage is the most significant environmental pollution problem associated with mining industry. The main cause of acid mine drainage is the occurrence of pyrite and sulphide minerals with the rock of coal seams. During mining these sulphide minerals get exposed to air and mine water, then oxidation and hydrolysis results in the generation of acid mine drainage. The low pH value of the discharge mine water results in the future dissolution of minerals and release of toxic metals, when it allowed getting discharge into other water bodies. This acidity and high toxic metals concentration are harmful to the vegetation, aquatic life and wild life. The review paper describes the general chemistry of acid mine drainage generation; its impact on environment: different treatment techniques as remedial and control measures and future trend in treatment technology.