PROTOCOL FOR MONITORING AND PREDICTING THE IMPACT OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE: SEDIMENT SAMPLING

Abstract

Sampling acid mine drainage (AMD) impacted sediments is complex requiring appropriate field sampling techniques to ensure representative samples which are both repeatable and reproducible. This report examines the important factors affecting sampling of riverine sediments. These include sample site location, field observations, representative sampling, sample collection techniques and sample preservation. A recommended sampling and processing protocol is presented for AMD impacted riverine sediments which includes sediment sampling, Fe-hydroxide floc sampling, chemical analysis, interstitial (pore) water collection, sediment elutriates, sediment fractionation and physical analysis. The importance of bioassay testing is discussed, as is quality assurance and assessment approaches to define sediment quality criteria.