Acid Mine Drainage Remediation with Waste Products: Laboratory Findings and Field Model Applications

Abstract

Industrial byproducts were tested for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Bench-scale experiments evaluated paper sludge and biochar at different AMD: material ratios (1:50, 1:100, 1:200) under oxic/anoxic conditions. Paper sludge raised pH from 1.64 to 6.23 (1:50), promoting Fe removal (100%). Biochar effectively adsorbed Cu (98%) at pH 5. A geochemical model simulated a field-scale treatment using a downflow pond with paper sludge and a biochar barrier. Results suggest these materials effectively neutralize AMD and retain potentially toxic elements, supporting their use in passive remediation.