Characteristics of Acid Mine Drainage and Its Pollution Control

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a serious pollution problem, which is considered as one of the worst environmental problem of mining activities owing to low pH and high concentrations of heavy metals and other toxic elements. So it is crucial to control and prevent AMD production. In this study, coal mine waste with artificial irrigation leached acid drainages containing high concentrations of SO₄^2-, Fe and Cr,Pb et al., so it is typical AMD. However, the column filled with coal waste and red mud leached the drainage with neutral pH value, and the concentration of Fe, SO₄^2-, and heavy metals are significantly reduced compared with control samples. The conclusion showed that red mud could have potentials to control AMD pollution and resulted in a great improvement in the quality of the leachates.