LABORATORY-SCALED SIMULATION OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE TREATMENT USING OPEN LIMESTONE CHANNEL.

• Main Author: Nurfasiha
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/78494
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

One of main environmental issues in mining industry is Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). AMD is characterized as water with high acidity value and elevated metal contents, as a result of oxidation of pyrite in presence of oxygen and water. To ensure that effluent water quality comply with effluent standard, some AMD treatment means need to be done. One mean of AMD Passive Treatment is open limestone channel (OLC). An OLC is planned and constructed to neutralize AMD by using limestone. To evaluate the neutralizing productivity of an OLD, a laboratory-scaled simulation is made. This simulation is also done to study physical variables that affecting performance of an OLC to neutralize and enhance mine water quality. The study is made by using three different size of limestone (namely coarsegrained, medium-grained and fine-grained). The study shows that with increasing water-flow rate (Q1<Q2<Q3), pH values at the outlet of model with coarsegrained limestone (C50 = 11 mm) are 3,40, 2,93 and 3,22 respectively. pH values at the outlet of model with coarse-grained limestone (C50 = 7,12 mm) are 6,53, 5,72 and 5,99 respectively. pH values at the outlet of model with fine-grained limestone (C50 = 4,05 mm) are 6,51, 6,25 and 6,26 respectively. The results are indicating variables that affecting performance of OLC, i.e. surface area of limestone and retention time. As surface area of limestone increasing, pH value of water at outlet is higher; the longer retention time, the higher pH value of water at the outlet, as a result of increasing reaction between water and limestone.