Zero Valent Iron for Passive Treatment of Acid Rock Drainage.

摘要

Abandoned mines and mine tailings from metal ore mining generate large quantities of acidic rock drainage (ARD). ARD is formed by the accelerated weathering of metal-sulfide-rich rocks that are exposed to oxygen by mining activities. The resulting plumes are not only highly acidic (due to sulfuric acid formed from sulfide mineral oxidation), but also contain high concentrations of heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Zn, Pb). ARD lowers the pH of water to levels toxic to aquatic flora and fauna, disrupting the ecosystem at all levels.