Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Metal Speciation And Immobilization Reactions Affecting The True Efficiency Of Artificial Wetlands To Treat Acid Mine Drainage, Anastasios D. Karathanasis, Y. L. Thompson

KWRRI Research Reports

The ability of constructed wetlands to lower total metal concentrations and organically complex metals in acid mine drainage (AMD) was investigated under greenhouse and field conditions. In the greenhouse study, Typha plants grown in six different substrates received simulated acid mine drainage of low metal load for five months. Most effluents, especially those from ground flows, showed significant decreases in acidity and metal concentrations. The pine needle and hay substrates most effectively reduced acidity and total Al levels. Effluents from these substrates contained 80% less total Al than respective influents. Organically complexed Al levels were independent of matrix and varied …