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Pyrolusite Process® to remove acid mine drainage contaminants from Kimble Creek in Ohio: A pilot study

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The Kimble Creek abandoned coal mine site, located on Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio, is among several abandoned coal mine sites that have been responsible for the acid mine drainage (AMD) polluting ground and surface water. Materials released by AMD include iron, aluminum, manganese, other hazardous substances, and acidity that are harmful to aquatic life. We tested at the Kimble Creek site the Pyrolusite Process®, a microbiological water treatment system that employs metal-oxidizing bacteria adsorbed on limestone rocks. The pilot treatment plant constructed was inoculated with a mixture (five strains) of metal-oxidizing bacteria. Water was examined at regular intervals for pH, concentrations of metals (Fe, Al, Mn, Mg, Zn, Ca), dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, hardiness, sulfate and chloride contents, acidity, alkalinity, and dissolved solids. Results showed that the Prylosite Process consistently increased the pH of effluent water to above-neutral levels.

Keywords

acid mine drainage, AMD, iron removal, microbiological treatment system, Pyrolusite Process&#174

Citation

Hiremath, Shiv; Lehtoma, Kirsten; Nicklow, Mike; Willison, Gary. 2013. Pyrolusite Process® to remove acid mine drainage contaminants from Kimble Creek in Ohio: A pilot study. Res. Note NRS-194. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 12 p.
Citations
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/45309