Resource Utilization of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): A Review

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a typical type of pollution originating from complex oxidation interactions that occur under ambient conditions in abandoned and active mines. AMD has high acidity and contains a high concentration of heavy metals and metalloids, posing a serious threat to ecological systems and human health. Over the years, great progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of AMD. Remediation approaches like chemical neutralization precipitation, ion exchange, membrane separation processes, and bioremediation have been extensively reported. Nevertheless, some limitations, such as low efficacy, excessive consumption of chemical reagents, and secondary contamination restrict the application of these technologies. The aim of this review was to provide updated information on the sustainable treatments that have been engaged in the published literature on the resource utilization of AMD. The recovery and reuse of valuable resources (e.g., clean water, sulfuric acid, and metal ions) from AMD can offset the cost of AMD remediation. Iron oxide particles recovered from AMD can be applied as adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from wastewater and for the fabrication of effective catalysts for heterogeneous Fenton reactions. The application of AMD in beneficiation fields, such as activating pyrite and chalcopyrite flotation, regulating pulp pH, and leaching copper-bearing waste rock, provides easy access to the innovative utilization of AMD. A review such as this will help researchers understand the progress in research, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each treatment technology, which can help shape the direction of future research in this area.