Pre- and post-remediation characterization of acid-generating fluvial tailings material
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Abstract
The upper Arkansas River south of Leadville, Colorado, USA, contains deposits of fluvial tailings from historical mining operations in the Leadville area. These deposits are potential non-point sources of acid and metal contamination to surface- and groundwater systems. We are investigating a site that recently underwent in situ remediation treatment with lime, fertilizer, and compost. Pre- and post-remediation fluvial tailings material was collected from a variety of depths to examine changes in mineralogy, acid generation, and extractable nutrients. Results indicate sufficient nutrient availability in the post-remediation near-surface material, but pyrite and acid generation persist below the depth of lime and fertilizer addition. Mineralogical characterization performed using semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction and quantitative SEM-based micro-mineralogy (Mineral Liberation Analysis, MLA) reveal formation of gypsum, jarosite, and complex coatings surrounding mineral grains in post-remediation samples.
Study Area
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | Pre- and post-remediation characterization of acid-generating fluvial tailings material |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | International Conferences on Acid Rock Drainage |
| Contributing office(s) | Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
| Description | 10 p. |
| Conference Title | 9th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage |
| Conference Location | Ottawa, Canada |
| Conference Date | May 20-26, 2012 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Lake county |
| Other Geospatial | Arkansas River |