Modeling and management of pit lake water chemistry 2: Case studies

Castendyk, Devin; Balistrieri, Laurie S.; Gammons, Christopher H.; Tucci, Nicholas J.

doi:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2014.09.003

Cited by 19 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…This depth maybe as a result of continuous in-filling of sediments from the surrounding areas as common with other pit lakes that have been studied elsewhere (e.g. Bangian et al, 2012;Castendyk et al, 2015Castendyk et al, , 2014. The surface area for the pit lakes ranged from approximately 16,700 to 480,000 m 2 , with Pit Lake 1 having the greatest surface area of 478,293 m 2 .…”

Section: Physical Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…The recorded mean pH was 3.7. It has been established that pit lakes affected by ADM have pH values between 2-4 units (Castendyk et al, 2015;Castendyk & Eary, 2009;Castendyk, Eary, & Balistrieri, 2014;Koschorreck & Tittel, 2002;Kumar, McCullough, Lund, & Larranãga, 2011). A common characteristic of low pH waters is high concentration of metals which would subsequently increase TDS values (Mhlongo & Dacosta, 2014).…”

Section: Chemical Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The development of pit lakes at abandoned mine sites is a common side effect of open pit mining (Blanchette & Lund, 2016;Chapman, 2002). Pit lakes, moreover, can lead to Acid Mine Drainage (ADM) with resultant effect in poor water quality (Castendyk, 2011;Castendyk, Balistrieri, Gammons, & Tucci, 2015;Castendyk & Webster-Brown, 2007;Koschorreck & Tittel, 2002;McCullough & Lund, 2006;McCullough, Marchant, Unseld, Robinson, & O'Grady, 2012;Mhlongo & Dacosta, 2014;Søndergaard et al, 2018). Nevertheless, pit lakes are regularly used for recreational activities (Doupe & Lymbery, 2005;Hinwood, Heyworth, Helen, & McCullough, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessment of water quality of lakes used for recreational purposes in abandoned mines of Linden, Guyana

Williams

Oyedotun

Simmons

2019

Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes

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The open pit method is often the easiest and the most inexpensive form of mining. Bauxite mining, which commenced in 1916 in Linden, Guyana, has left many abandoned pits upon closure of mining activities; subsequently pit lakes have been formed. Globally, Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a common water quality problem for pit lakes. However, the pit lakes in Linden are used for recreational activities. In this study, the water quality of three lakes in Linden (NE Kara Kara, Kara Kara and Lucky Spot) were analysed for their physico-chemical characteristics. The morphological and aesthetic features were also examined. The study showed that all three lakes are acidic, with mean pH values of 3.4, 3.1 and 4.7, which are not within the allowable range for recreational waters. Mean concentrations of Al (23.06 mg/l), Fe (10.56 mg/l) and Mn (2.4 mg/l) exceeded acceptable limits; nevertheless, TDS levels measured were within the acceptable limits. In terms of aesthetic quality, NE Kara Kara and Kara Kara pit lakes were free from any form of waste and debris. For the pit lakes to be considered suitable for recreational purposes, treatment of the lakes' waters is recommended.

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Section: Physical Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 85%

Section: Chemical Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Assessment of water quality of lakes used for recreational purposes in abandoned mines of Linden, Guyana

Williams

Oyedotun

Simmons

2019

Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes

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“…Likely sources of Fe loading into pit lakes include adjacent mine waste rock and underground workings, or the oxidation of pyrite in exposed (now submerged) pit wall surfaces in the lake. ,,,,− Iron concentrations of up to 20 mg L –1 were reported by the mining company for groundwater close to the lake. Concentrations may be higher at other locations around the lake, for example there are no bores in the waste rock material adjacent to the lake.…”

Section: Field Site: 2004–2005 Comprehensive Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The need for prediction tools that couple geochemistry to hydrodynamics and aquatic ecology is particularly clear in the case of the thousands of new lakes referred to as pit lakes or mine lakes. Pit lakes form after the cessation of open cut mining of, for example, metals, uranium, coal, mineral sands, and clay. − The water quality of pit lakes will determine whether they become sustainable water resources or, alternatively, localized but long-term environmental hazards, with the potential to also affect downgradient systems. − A subset of pit lakes are acidic and often contain high concentrations of dissolved Fe, SO 4 , and Al. , Addition of alkalinity leads to relatively fast precipitation of Fe(III) and Al as (oxy)hydroxides or hydroxysulfate minerals; these reactions release protons and thus constitute “buffering systems” that must be overcome before the pH will increase . Ongoing acid generation may also occur due to pyrite oxidation in adjacent waste dumps, mined landforms (including pit walls), and underground mine workings, resulting in a sustained external acidity loading onto pit lakes ,,,, and natural water bodies. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantifying Lake Water Quality Evolution: Coupled Geochemistry, Hydrodynamics, and Aquatic Ecology in an Acidic Pit Lake

Salmon

Hipsey

Wake

et al. 2017

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Assessment of water quality evolution in the thousands of existing and future mine pit lakes worldwide requires new numerical tools that integrate geochemical, hydrological, and biological processes. A coupled model was used to test alternative hypothesized controls on water quality in a pit lake over ∼8 years. The evolution of pH, Al, and Fe were closely linked; field observations were reproduced with generic solubility equilibrium controls on Fe(III) and Al and a commonly reported acceleration of the abiotic Fe(II) oxidation rate by 2-3 orders of magnitude. Simulations indicated an ongoing acidity loading at the site, and the depletion of Al mineral buffering capacity after ∼5 years. Simulations also supported the existence of pH limitation on nitrification, and a limitation on phytoplankton growth other than the commonly postulated P and DIC limitations. Furthermore, the model reproduced the general patterns of salinity, pH, Al, and Fe during an uncontrolled river breach in 2011, however, incorporating sediment biogeochemical feedbacks is required to reproduce the observed postbreach internal alkalinity generation in the lake. The modeling approach is applicable to the study of hydrological, geochemical, and biological interactions for a range of lake and reservoir management challenges.

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Closing pit lakes as aquatic ecosystems: Risk, reality, and future uses

Lund

Blanchette

2023

WIREs Water

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Mine pit lakes are formed when open‐cut pits flood with water, and these lakes occur by the thousands on every inhabited continent. The remediation and closure of pit lakes is a pressing issue for sustainable development and provision of freshwater ecosystem services. While pit lakes can be spectacular examples of recreation and renewal, pit lakes may be better known for their poor water qualities and risks to communities and the environment. Often the public wants to simply “fill the pits in” to restore a terrestrial landscape, but this is not always possible. Therefore, planning for remediation and future uses is likely to provide the best outcome. Poor water quality is not necessarily a barrier to future use, although it may limit the number of uses. Short‐term future uses tend to require commercial viability, active infrastructure investment, and maintenance, and should transition to complementary long‐term uses that promote biodiversity. Long‐term future uses require relatively less ongoing maintenance beyond the initial investment and adhere to the principles that pit lakes should be safe, sustainable, and non‐polluting in perpetuity. Pit lakes will eventually develop “ecosystem values,” and the time to do so depends on the nature of the intervention and the values ascribed by the community. Where possible, closing pit lakes as sustainable ecosystems is the most realistic goal that permits a variety of future uses that is likely to see pit lakes valued by future generations. This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Planning Water Human Water > Value of Water Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

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Modeling and management of pit lake water chemistry 2: Case studies

Cited by 19 publications

References 20 publications

Assessment of water quality of lakes used for recreational purposes in abandoned mines of Linden, Guyana

Assessment of water quality of lakes used for recreational purposes in abandoned mines of Linden, Guyana

Quantifying Lake Water Quality Evolution: Coupled Geochemistry, Hydrodynamics, and Aquatic Ecology in an Acidic Pit Lake

Closing pit lakes as aquatic ecosystems: Risk, reality, and future uses

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