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Contaminant Attenuation Processes at Mining Sites
Citation:
WILKIN, R. T. Contaminant Attenuation Processes at Mining Sites. Mine Water and the Environment. Springer-Verlag, BERLIN-HEIDELBERG, Germany, 27(4):251-258, (2008).
Impact/Purpose:
Objective - identify the major natural attenuation processes that have been documented at mine sites around the world.
Description:
Monitored natural attenuation is sometimes used in combination with active treatment technologies to achieve site-specific remediation objectives. The global imprint of acid drainage problems at mining sites, however, is a clear reminder that in most cases natural processes are incapable of ameliorating the acidity and metal contamination produced by oxidizing sulfide minerals where these minerals are concentrated in the earth’s crust, either by natural processes or anthropogenic activities. Yet at nearly all mining sites natural attenuation processes occur and may contribute to site remedial goals. Biogeochemical processes can be particularly important in controlling the transport and fate of certain metal and metalloid contaminants, under specific environmental conditions. This communication identifies the major natural attenuation processes that have been documented at mine sites around the world.
