T11 PM Developments in Bioremediation of Acid Mine Drainage Wastes
Tuesday, 15 November 2005: 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM in 343-344

(BLO-1118-275804) Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers for Treatment of Mine Drainage: Measurement and Modelling.

Blowes, D¹, Ptacek, C¹, Bain, J¹, Mayer, K², Benner, S³, Jambor, J^{1, 2}, Gould, W^{1, 4}, ¹ Department of Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada² 2. Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada³ Department of Geosciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA⁴ Environmental Laboratory, CANMET, Ottawa, ON, Canada

ABSTRACT- Over the past decade, permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems have been implemented to prevent and treat acidic drainage discharged from mine wastes. During this period, detailed sampling of PRB systems, including hydrogeological, geochemical, mineralogical and microbiological characterization, has been conducted. The results derived from these studies have been used in conjunction with sophisticated computer models to understand the interaction between physical, chemical and biological processes within PRB systems. These studies have been augmented with laboratory studies to assess the potential benefits of alternative barrier materials, and field studies to evaluate alternative PRB installation techniques. Combined, these studies provide an understanding of the potential applications and limitations of PRB systems for treating mine drainage water.

Key words: mine drainage