Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hsan Youssef Mehdaoui, Youssef Guesmi, Marouen Jouini, Carmen Mihaela Neculita, Thomas Pabst, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: Passive treatment systems (PTSs) are effective for treating mine drainage (MD) through chemical and biological processes. The by-products of PTSs can be potential environmental contaminants, but they can also be secondary sources for recovering valuable elements. The stability prediction of PTSs residues is inconsistent, and it is suggested to combine chemical-mineralogical characterization with leaching tests for a more realistic assessment of their environmental behavior. Further research is needed to select appropriate leaching tests and conduct techno-economic analyses for the sustainable management of PTSs residues.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shashi Arya, Aneri Patel, Sunil Kumar, Show Pau-Loke
Summary: This study investigates the environmental and health risks posed by waste residues generated during the post-processing of E-waste, and explores urban mining techniques for recycling and reusing waste electronic products. It also highlights the exceedance of certain metal concentrations in the waste residues, emphasizing the importance of proper management and treatment of E-waste components.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Casey Oliver A. Turingan, Kristina S. Cordero, Aileen L. Santos, Gillian Sue L. Tan, Carlito B. Tabelin, Richard D. Alorro, Aileen H. Orbecido
Summary: This study investigates the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) using waste-derived materials such as mine waste, concrete waste, and limestone. The results show that mine waste is effective in removing heavy metals and sulfates, while concrete waste significantly increases the pH of the AMD.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matome Mothetha, Kefeni Kebede, Vhahangwele Masindi, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: This study meticulously reports the synergistic effects of mechanochemically synthesized metakaolinite-Ca-rich-MgO nanocomposite for effective treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD). Advanced analytical techniques and instruments, such as FTIR, HR-FIB/SEM, EDS, XRF, and XRD, were used to support the obtained results. Optimal conditions were observed for mixing time, feedstock dosage, temperature, and pH. The metal content in real AMD matrices was significantly reduced, and sulphate levels were greatly reduced. This study holds great promise for sustainable management of AMD effluents from coal mining activities.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiangdong Li, Yanwen Guo, Jieying Cai, Wei Bao
Summary: This study investigates the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) using waste pyrolysis ash as an adsorbent. The results show that the waste pyrolysis ash has a significant adsorption capacity for metal ions in AMD and can be reused multiple times. The SEM and BET characterization results confirm its potential for metal ion adsorption. The experiments demonstrate that the waste pyrolysis ash effectively treats metal ions in AMD through adsorption, flocculation, and chemical precipitation, providing a low-cost alternative material for water treatment.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marco Pieretti, Teemu Karlsson, Susanna Arvilommi, Muhammad Muniruzzaman
Summary: Humidity cell test is a popular method for predicting the reactivity and leachate quality of mining waste materials. However, the interpretation of test results can vary widely due to poor characterization and identification of key processes. This study investigates the leaching behavior of mine waste rocks through humidity cell tests. The results show differences in chemical weathering rates and mass loadings between different cell setups. Despite attempts to homogenize samples, leachate concentrations suggest possible influences from microscale chemical heterogeneity. Quantitative interpretation of test results using modeling provides insights into the complex interplay between chemical reactions and physical processes, highlighting the importance of understanding water flow dynamics for predictive simulations.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ivana Smiciklas, Bojan Jankovic, Mihajlo Jovic, Jelena Maletaskic, Nebojsa Manic, Snezana Dragovic
Summary: Developing efficient methods for Mn separation is the most challenging task in exploring innovative and sustainable acid mine drainage treatments. This study investigated the influence of AMD chemistry, solid/solution ratio, and contact time on Mn separation by wood ash and bone char, and found the optimal treatment conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vahid Vaziri, Ahmad Reza Sayadi, Anita Parbhakar-Fox, Amin Mousavi, Masoud Monjezi
Summary: This paper presents a waste rock classification method based on Triple Characterization Criteria (TCC) and a waste dump construction model to prevent acid rock drainage (ARD). The spatial distribution of TCC in a planned waste dump is evaluated using geo-statistical techniques. The proposed approach enables mine operators to forecast and prevent future ARD from waste rock effectively.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunjian Chen, Senlin Tian, Jiangli Fu, Yichao Lin, Jianhong Huang, Shan Chen, Xuewei Hu
Summary: This study introduced the research results of using tin tailings to make the covering layer for tailings pond, demonstrating that when tailings waste proportions reached 70%, the immobilization efficiency of heavy metals exceeded 99.45% and the pH of leaching solution was around 10.8. Additionally, the positive impact of solid waste addition on the oxidation barrier was also confirmed. Overall, the hard layer as a post-mining restorative strategy shows strong positive influence on pollution control.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Andrea R. Gerson, Paul Weber, Roger St C. Smart, George Levay, Mike Hutton-Ashkenny, Rosalind Green
Summary: The study developed a thermal decomposition methodology for quantification of acid neutralisation capacity in carbonate minerals for waste rock and tailings. The methodology eliminates potential interferences from silicate minerals and other sources, providing an effective means for assessing acid neutralisation potential in mining operations. The correlation between ANC(therm-carb) and ANC(calc) for single-mineral carbonates was achieved, demonstrating the validity of the approach.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Vahid Vaziri, Ahmad Reza Sayadi, Amin Mousavi, Anita Parbhakar-Fox, Masoud Monjezi
Summary: Acid rock drainage (ARD) generated from sulfide-bearing mine waste is a global concern due to its significant impacts on water resources, soil, biodiversity, and public health. This study proposes a new mixed-integer programming model to optimize waste rock placement and minimize ARD formation, which has been proven effective in a real case scenario. The model not only achieves optimal waste rock disposal and ARD prevention, but also reduces haulage costs compared to the baseline case.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Siti Khodijah Chaerun, Erian Jeremy, Raudhatul Islam Chaerun, Riri Lidya Fathira, Muhammad Iqbal Toynbee, Supandi Supandi, Tsutomu Sato
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of 54 bacterial strains in treating coal waste slurry and AMD, and found that the bacterium Citrobacter freundii (strain SKC-4) showed superior performance in reducing the suspended solids content. The study also revealed the interaction between bacteria and clay minerals in the coal waste slurry, and detected the presence of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) through SEM-EDS analysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amira Merchichi, Malek Ould Hamou, Mohamed Edahbi, Ema Bobocioiu, Carmen M. Neculita, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: The study investigated the passive treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) using phosphate mining residuals from the Djebel Onk mine in Algeria. Results showed that the phosphatic materials efficiently neutralized AMD and removed metals through sorption and precipitation mechanisms. Phosphatic limestone wastes exhibited the highest acid neutralization potential among the lithologies tested.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
V Rey, C. A. Rios, L. Y. Vargas, T. M. Valente
Summary: Tailings facilities and associated waters often lead to environmental concerns. This study in Colombia focused on acid mine drainage from gold exploitation. Results showed efficiency of low-cost natural zeolite-rich tuff for treatment of the contaminated water.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Nathaniel Small, Mohammadhossein Sadeghiamirshahidi, Christopher H. Gammons
Summary: This paper introduces a new method of using a naturally occurring mineral called trona to induce cementation of mine tailings. Three different methods of introducing dissolved trona were tested and compared, showing successful solidification of the tailings in all methods, but with different amounts of precipitated calcite at different depths. The distinctions in precipitation profile can have applications in solving common problems associated with tailings, such as dust emission and liquefaction. The even distribution of precipitated calcite in the slurry mixing method also shows potential for preventing AMD.
MINE WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Asif Qureshi, Bruno Bussiere, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Fannie Lessard, Vincent Boulanger-Martel
Summary: The study focuses on the use of desulphurized tailings as a moisture-retaining layer in an insulation cover, resulting in reduced sulphide content and lower metal leaching. This approach shows promise in preventing acid mine drainage and mitigating the environmental impact of mining activities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Louise Darricau, Abdellatif Elghali, Patrick Martel, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: The study assessed the mineralogical and geochemical properties of sediments in Osisko urban lake, Quebec, Canada, and investigated the pollution in lake water due to sediment reactivity. sediment. The results showed that the sediments in Osisko lake pose a risk of water contamination if disturbed, and may require stabilization before disposal.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Abdelmoujib Bahhou, Yassine Taha, Yassine El Khessaimi, Rachid Hakkou, Arezki Tagnit-Hamou, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: This review discusses the importance of using calcined marl as supplementary cementitious material in developing eco-friendly cement. It focuses on the properties of calcined marl, activation methods, influencing parameters, hydration, and microstructure to determine the optimal physical and chemical parameters for generating highly reactive marl.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Pascal Marcotte, Carmen M. Neculita, Vincent Cloutier, Genevieve Bordeleau, Eric Rosa
Summary: The contamination of mine water by nitrogen-based compounds is a challenge for the mining industry, with explosive residues and cyanide derivatives being the main sources of nitrogen in this study. The management of nitrogen, especially ammoniacal nitrogen, is crucial for mining operations. Using hydrogeochemical mass balances and isotopic approaches, the study found that dewatering of underground workings is a significant source of nitrogen in the final effluent, with nitrification and denitrification identified as key mechanisms for nitrogen transformation onsite. The proposed approach for optimizing water management at mine sites shows great potential for application in the industry.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bisse Poaty, Benoit Plante, Bruno Bussiere, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: A new approach using inclined compacted benches for constructing waste rock piles was developed to control water infiltration and minimize contamination. The experimental waste rock pile and laboratory infiltration tests showed that rainfall rate and the design of the flow control layer significantly impact the diversion of water and water quality.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yaneth Vasquez, Carmen M. Neculita, Gerardo Caicedo, Jairo Cubillos, Jair Franco, Mario Vasquez, Angie Hernandez, Fabio Roldan
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of a passive multi-unit field-pilot for treating acid mine drainage (AMD) from a coal mine in Colombia. The results showed that the passive multi-unit field-pilot achieved significant removal of sulfates, iron, manganese, and zinc from the AMD. Additionally, it was found that the post-treatment solids could generate acidic leachates containing high concentrations of iron and manganese under certain conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mouna Ettoumi, Marouen Jouini, Carmen Mihaela Neculita, Salah Bouhlel, Lucie Coudert, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: Phosphate beneficiation in Tunisia generates large amounts of sludge, but efficient water recovery methods using flocculants have been explored in this study. The physical and chemical properties of the phosphate sludge were characterized, and the impact of different flocculants on water recovery was investigated. The results showed that using Flomin 905 as a flocculant could significantly improve water recovery while reducing flocculant consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Tomasz Suponik, Dawid M. Franke, Carmen M. Neculita, Tadeusz Mzyk, Robert Fraczek
Summary: This study presents a potential treatment method for contaminated groundwater from a waste heap in southern Poland. The method involves continuous monitoring of pH and electrical conductivity, followed by modeling the flow and migration of pollutants in groundwater. The study then proposes groundwater treatment through injection of nano zerovalent iron (nZVI), targeting the high concentrations and toxicity of Zn(II). The use of online monitoring for mining waste heaps and the introduction of electrical conductivity in the contaminant migration model aids in determining the locations for nZVI injection.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marouen Jouini, Alexandre Royer-Lavallee, Thomas Pabst, Eunhyea Chung, Rina Kim, Young-Wook Cheong, Carmen Mihaela Neculita
Summary: This study compares and evaluates the environmental and social impacts of primary and secondary sources of rare earth elements (REEs) production. The results show that production from secondary sources has lower environmental impact. Important impact categories related to particulate matter formation, abiotic resource depletion, and fossil fuel depletion could be mitigated by avoiding tailings disposal. Therefore, increasing the recycling of secondary REE sources is encouraged to balance demand and resource exploitation.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mustapha Amrani, Yassine Taha, Azzouz Kchikach, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Rachid Hakkou
Summary: This paper explores the potential utilization of phosphate screening waste rock (SWR) as alternative aggregates for pavement applications. The findings show that SWR materials can be successfully used in low-volume traffic pavement projects and the residual phosphate can be recovered using the current mining company's processing method. Furthermore, the environmental investigations demonstrate that SWR does not pose any contamination risk to the surrounding environment. The economic feasibility analysis confirms the viability of SWR reuse.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Pauline Segui, Amine el Mahdi Safhi, Mustapha Amrani, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: The mining industry faces significant environmental issues due to the management of large volumes of tailings, sludge, and residues. Research is being conducted to explore the utilization of these wastes as alternative aggregates for construction, which can conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impacts of mining.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Abdessamad Khalil, Yassine Taha, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Rachid Hakkou
Summary: This study aims to develop an applied methodological approach to assess and quantify the impact of coal mining on surrounding soils, in order to protect the health of the population living near coal mines. Geochemical indexes and geostatistical interpolation techniques were used to evaluate soil contamination. A case study conducted on an abandoned coal mine in Morocco revealed the effectiveness of this approach in identifying anomalous areas and sources of contamination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sebastien Ryskie, Etienne Belanger, Carmen M. Neculita, Patrice Couture, Eric Rosa
Summary: The efficiency of ozone microbubbles combined with lime precipitation on contaminant removal and its impact on toxicity for Daphnia magna were evaluated in this study. Results showed that ozone treatment had high removal efficiency for NH3-N, but abnormal toxicity issues were observed without metals pre-treatment.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Safa Chlahbi, Tikou Belem, Abdellatif Elghali, Samia Rochdane, Essaid Zerouali, Omar Inabi, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: This paper presents a case study of the Benguerir mine site in Morocco, investigating the potential valorization of waste rock based on its geological and geomechanical properties. The results indicate that the waste rock can be considered as an excellent alternative secondary raw material for civil engineering, ceramics, and cement industries.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hamza Zine, Rachid Hakkou, Abdelhak Elmansour, Sara Elgadi, Ahmed Ouhammou, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: Mining activities have significant impacts on the environment, particularly in terms of the destruction of natural habitats and biodiversity loss. Studying the flora that thrives in mining sites can facilitate successful reclamation efforts. The study in four phosphate mine sites in Morocco found 215 vascular plant species, with the highest diversity observed in Ben Guerir mine. The findings highlight the importance of indigenous plant species and ecological restoration plans.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2023)
