A Review of Acid Mine Drainage in a Water-Scarce Country: Case of South Africa

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a very acidic effluent containing high levels of sulphates, metals, sulphides, and salts. AMD management requires particular attention in order to avoid environmental adversity. Currently, there is a tremendous need for new technologies, effective management strategies and treatment processes regarding AMD in South Africa and worldwide. This includes the development of nearly zero waste processes. AMD in South Africa and many countries worldwide involves massive environmental issues that cannot be solved in the short to medium term. To address this problem much effort is required to develop efficient, innovative and costs effective methods to resolve the challenge of AMD. This review analyzes some major active treatment technologies and management options for AMD reclamation. It is also including some technical and economic strengths as well as setbacks related to some treatment methods.

Effectiveness of Fly Ash and Red Mud as Strategies for Sustainable Acid Mine Drainage Management

“…AMD also originates from sulphide conglomerates stored on deposits where the rain rinses the acid and metals such as uranium (U) out of the dumps [3]. Finally, the acid infiltrates the groundwater and the environment such as rivers in the affected region around the deposits which contaminates the aquatic life and the soil in the surroundings [7]. Additionally, South Africa is a water-poor country with an average rainfall of under 450 mm per year [7].…”

“…Finally, the acid infiltrates the groundwater and the environment such as rivers in the affected region around the deposits which contaminates the aquatic life and the soil in the surroundings [7]. Additionally, South Africa is a water-poor country with an average rainfall of under 450 mm per year [7]. Acid mine drainage containing around 3500 mg/L [3] of sulphate has a pH value between 2 and 3 which increases the solubility of certain metals such as heavy metals.…”

“…Consequently, sulphuric acid is formed during this reaction. At this pH, bacteria like Thiobacillus ferrooxidans can survive [7] and accelerate the geochemical reactions.…”

LC-MS Based Metabolomics Analysis of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars Irrigated with Quicklime Treated Acid Mine Drainage Water

“…Freshwater supply is one of the world’s biggest issues, with approximately one-third of the world’s drinking water coming from surface sources such as rivers, dams, lakes, and canals. South Africa, like many other countries, pollution of existing water resources is the most danger to a sustainable water supply [ 1 ]. The country is listed as one of the driest countries in the world, and serious water scarcity is projected to occur very soon [ 2 ].…”

Valorisation options for Zn and Cu recovery from metal influenced acid mine waters through selective precipitation and ion-exchange processes: promotion of on-site/off-site management options

“…However, they are weathered in contact with water and oxygen, releasing metal ions and sulphuric acid (Younger et al, 2002). As a result of the weathering process, the AMW contains elements dissolved in high concentrations, such as heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd), non-metals (e.g., As, Se) and sulphuric acid (pH = 1-3), as well as rare earth elements (REE) at low concentrations (Ayora et al, 2016;Bwapwa, 2017;López et al, 2019a). For that reason, AMWs are considered a source of valuable metals and a source of process water (García et al, 2014).…”