| Popis: |
Wetland treatment of environmental problems resulting from coal mining far outnumber non-coal-mining applications. Instead of reviewing existing technologies, this chapter reviews the chemistry of metal mine drainages and differences from coal mine drainages; analyzes the geochemistry of metals removal within wetlands; and summarizes the results in the few pioneer examples. Drainage from the Big Five Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado is an example. A pilot system testing wetland effectiveness on treatment of Big Five effluent is described. The Big Five Tunnel site was constructed as a pilot treatment system with all inputs (other than precipitation) and outputs controlled. Drainage flow and chemistry is nearly constant throughout the year. In coal mining areas, pyrite is the mineral responsible for acid mine drainage problems, and it causes most problems in metal mining situations. Understanding how pyrite weathers is essential to understanding the differences between metal mining and coal mining pollution problems. |
