Acid Mine Drainage Sources and Impact on Groundwater at the Osarizawa Mine, Japan

Abstract

Understanding the origin of acid mine drainage (AMD) in a closed mine and groundwater flow system around the mine aids in developing strategies for environmental protection and management. AMD has been continuously collected and neutralized at Osarizawa Mine, Akita Prefecture, Japan, since the mine was closed in the 1970s, to protect surrounding river water and groundwater quality. Thus, water samples were taken at the mine and surrounding groundwaters and rivers to characterize the chemical properties and environmental isotopes (δ2H and δ18O). The results showed that the quality and stable isotope ratios of AMD differed from those of groundwater/river water, indicating that the recharge areas of AMD. The recharge area of AMD was evaluated as the mountain slope at an elevation of 400–500 m while that of the surrounding groundwater was evaluated at an elevation of 350–450 m, by considering the stable isotopes ratios. This indicates that the groundwater affected by AMD is limited to the vicinity of the mine and distributed around nearby rivers.

Emerging Strategies for Mitigating Acid Mine Drainage Formation and Environmental Impacts: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances

“…A recent study reported groundwater pollution in the Osarizawa Mine area, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Although mining activities have stopped since the 1970s, the impact on groundwater quality degradation is still happening (Nishimoto et al, 2021) . Using contaminated groundwater for bathing and drinking will cause various health problems.…”

Production of activated carbon from coal with H3PO4 activation for adsorption of Fe(II) and Mn(II) in acid mine drainage

“…Actions to prevent the formation of AMD have been attempted, one of which is the application of encapsulation. However, the formation of AMD cannot be avoided, so efforts need to be made to treat AMD in various forms, both through active and passive processing (Nishimoto et al, 2021).…”

Hydrochemical characteristics of abandoned coal mines derived acid mine drainage in a typical karst basin (Wuma river basin, Guizhou China)

“…AMD derived from closed coal mines (CCMs) presents a substantial pollution risk to the whole WRB. It has been widely reported that AMD could induce serious water pollution and damage to aquatic ecosystems in river and groundwater globally [ [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] ]. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the hydrochemistry of AMD derived from CCMs is particularly important for environmental pollution prevention and ecological protection in the WRB.…”