How does AMD affect the environment?

AMD is the biggest environmental challenge ever which impacts negatively on the quality of water resources (both ground and surface) and plays a role in flooding and decanting. AMD can lead to instability in the geology of an area and can destroy ecosystems and heritage sites.

What is acid mine drainage simple definition?

Acid mine drainage is the formation and movement of highly acidic water rich in heavy metals. This acidic water forms through the chemical reaction of surface water (rainwater, snowmelt, pond water) and shallow subsurface water with rocks that contain sulfur-bearing minerals, resulting in sulfuric acid.

Which mineral is oxidizing to create acid mine drainage?

pyrite
“When pyrite reacts with oxygen, it releases sulfuric acid, which can cause acid mine drainage, a serious environmental problem across the globe.” When exposed to air, like in a mine, pyrite will fully oxidize in a matter of years. Microorganisms can also form on the mineral and speed up the reaction.

What causes acid mining drainage?

Acid mine drainage (AMD) from mining wastes is one of the current environmental problems in the field of mining pollution that requires most action measures. This term describes the drainage generated by natural oxidation of sulfide minerals when they are exposed to the combined action of water and atmospheric oxygen.

How is acid mine drainage prevented?

Some common methods include: Reclamation of contaminated land by (1) adding lime or other alkaline materials to neutralize the acidity, and (2) adding uncontaminated top soil, planting vegetation, and modifying slopes to stabilize the soil and reduce infiltration of surface water into underlying contaminated material.

What is the main reason for acid mine drainage?

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is the runoff produced when water comes in contact with exposed rocks containing sulfur-bearing minerals that react with water and air to form sulfuric acid and dissolved iron. This acidic run-off dissolves heavy metals including copper, lead, and mercury which pollute ground and surface water.

What is acid mine drainage how does it affect the environment?

1 Acid mine drainage occurs when sulfide minerals in the waste rock react with air and water to form sulfuric acid. This acid leaches out metals in the rock, which can enter nearby streams, rivers or seep into groundwater.

Why do we do acid mine drainage?

Prevent water pollution: manage acidic water from mining sites. If you excavate coal, metal ores or other minerals, you may expose rocks and minerals that contain sulphur. If sulphur mixes with water and oxygen it can cause groundwater to become acidic. This is called acid mine drainage (AMD).