An evaluation of trace element release associated with acid mine drainage |
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Authors: | Patrick J Sullivan Jennifer L Yelton |
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Institution: | (1) Division of Environmental Chemistry Western Research Institute, University of Wyoming Research Corporation, University Station, P.O. Box 3395, 82071 Laramie, Wyoming |
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Abstract: | The determination of trace element release from geologic materials, such as oil shale and coal overburden, is important for
proper solid waste management planning. The objective of this study was to determine a correlation between trace element residency
and concentration to trace element release using the following methods: (1) sequential selective dissolution for determining
trace element residencies, (2) toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), and (3) humidity cell weathering study simulating
maximum trace element release. Two eastern oil shales were used, a New albany shale that contains 4.6 percent pyrite, and
a Chattanooga shale that contains 1.5 percent pyrite. Each shale was analyzed for elemental concentrations by soluble, adsorbed,
organic, carbonate, and sulfide phases. All leachates were analyzed to determine total trace element concentrations.
The results of the selective dissolution studies show that each trace element has a unique distribution between the various
phases. Thus, it is possible to predict trace element release based on trace element residency. The TCLP results show that
this method is suitable for assessing soluble trace element release but does not realistically assess potential hazards. The
results of the humidity cell studies do demonstrate a more reasonable method for predicting trace element release and potential
water quality hazards. The humidity cell methods, however, require months to obtain the required data with a large number
of analytical measurements. When the selective dissolution data are compared to the trace element concentrations in the TCLP
and humidity cell leachates, it is shown that leachate concentrations are predicted by the selective dissolution data. Therefore,
selective dissolution may represent a rapid method to assess trace element release associated with acid mine drainage. |
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