Research Article Open Access

Prediction and Remediation of Water Quality in Monitoring Potential of Acid Mine Drainage

Nur Athirah Mohamad Basir1, Wan Zuhairi Wan Yaacob1, Nuur Hani Mohammed1, Mustapha Atta1 and Nur Aishah Zarime1
  • 1 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

Abstract

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) associated with both active and abandoned mining operations related to sulfide minerals, oxidation of pyrite affording an acidic solution that contains toxic metal ions. Result shows that pH value of water in Kg. Aur, Chini and Sg. Lembing are acidic with value of 2.81, 4.16 and 3.60 respectively. Maximum concentrations of heavy metals in the study area are: Pb (0.2 mg/L), Cd (0.05 mg/L), Zn (5.1 mg/L), Cu (5.2 mg/L), Mn (10.9 mg/L), Cr (0.2 mg/L), Ni (0.2 mg/L), As (0.005 mg/L) and Fe (202.69 mg/L). Prediction of acid formation using acid-base calculations from all samples shows high potential acid production between 22.84-2500.16 kg CaCO3/tonne. The ratio of Neutralization (NP) with Acid Potential (APP) shows a very low value (ratio<1) Sg. Lembing (0.02), Chini (0.08), Selinsing (0.31) and Kg. Aur (0.81). Analysis from the tank experiment after 30 days shows pH of LFS, bentonite, activated carbon and zeolite change to 6.11, 3.91, 2.98 and 2.71 respectively. Three mine sites experiencing AMD are Kg. Aur, Chini and Sg. Lembing. Active neutralization treatment successfully shows LFS has great potential to control AMD based on their ability to neutralize the pH and remove heavy metals in the mine water. Meanwhile, the second adsorbent material is bentonite followed by activated carbon and zeolite.

American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Volume 12 No. 2, 2019, 173-184

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2019.173.184

Submitted On: 21 December 2017 Published On: 24 May 2019

How to Cite: Mohamad Basir, N. A., Wan Yaacob, W. Z., Mohammed, N. H., Atta, M. & Zarime, N. A. (2019). Prediction and Remediation of Water Quality in Monitoring Potential of Acid Mine Drainage. American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 12(2), 173-184. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2019.173.184

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Keywords

  • AMD
  • Heavy Metals
  • Acid-Base Accounting (ABA)
  • Remediation