Investigation of acid mine drainage remediation by co-treatment with municipal wastewater using the activated sludge process

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) remediation by co-treatment with municipal wastewater using the activated sludge (AS) process is a new approach to remediation that utilizes the alkalinity contained in municipal wastewater and the adsorptive properties of AS biomass to remove acidity and metals from AMD-impacted waters. Theoretical synergies of co-treatment, such as enhanced removal of nutrients and suspended solids (SS) from wastewater where iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al) are present in the AMD, require study. This project examined these and other aspects of co-treatment, e.g. the toxicity of AMD to AS, metal removal in AS and wastewaters, and the impact of continuous loading of AMD on wastewater treatment. The research described herein aimed to explore the innovative concept of co-treating AMD and municipal wastewater using the AS process and to identify key advantages and constraints.