Investigation of the acid mine drainage generation mechanism

ABSTRACT Acid mine drainage (AMD) originates from the oxidation of pyritic ores and waste rocks by the reaction of air and water. Due to its low acidity (pH » 2.0) and the dissolved toxic metal ions of the AMD solution, it is a potential environment pollutant. In this study, the massive ore samples taken from Küre-Aşiköy waste rock containing high amount of pyrite were subjected to physical, chemical and mineralogical studies. Static tests were performed to determine the acid generation potential of these samples. Kinetic column tests were also carried out at natural test conditions to find out the effects of the different parameters suck as particle size, thickness of the bed material, amount of water used and dissolved O2 concentration on acid generation potential of the same samples. It was determined that samples' acid producing potentials are 3 15 times more than their acid consumptions. While the particle size, water flow rate and thickness of the bed material directly affect AMD generation, air flow rate and the oxygen dissolved in water have insignificant influence on the reactions.