How Does Mine Drainage Occur? | U.S. Geological Survey
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Mine drainage is surface water or groundwater that drains from an active or abandoned mine. In some cases, pyrite (an iron sulfide mineral) is exposed and reacts with air and water to form sulfuric acid and dissolved iron. Some or all of this iron can precipitate to form the red, orange, or yellow sediments in the bottom of streams containing mine drainage. The acid runoff further dissolves heavy metals such as copper, lead, and mercury into groundwater or surface water. The rate and degree by which acid-mine drainage proceeds can be increased by the action of certain bacteria.
Problems associated with mine drainage include contaminated drinking water, disrupted growth and reproduction of aquatic plants and animals, and the corroding effects of the acid on parts of infrastructures such as bridges.
Learn more:
- USGS Water Science School: Mining and Water Quality
- USGS Water Resources: Mine Drainage
- EPA Abandoned Mine Drainage
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Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants? Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants?
Plants naturally grow in and around lakes, but sometimes lakes and ponds can get an overgrowth of plants, algae, or bacteria. In many cases, humans are responsible. Chemicals that are used on lawns and in agriculture (like nitrogen and potassium) wash into our water systems. Once there, plants and algae have a feast on this “food.” Sometimes overgrowths of cyanobacteria (called “blooms”) can make...
Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants?Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants?
Plants naturally grow in and around lakes, but sometimes lakes and ponds can get an overgrowth of plants, algae, or bacteria. In many cases, humans are responsible. Chemicals that are used on lawns and in agriculture (like nitrogen and potassium) wash into our water systems. Once there, plants and algae have a feast on this “food.” Sometimes overgrowths of cyanobacteria (called “blooms”) can make...
Learn More
How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings? How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings?
When sulfurous, sulfuric, and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone, the calcite dissolves. In exposed areas of buildings and statues, we see roughened surfaces, removal of material, and loss of carved details. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. You might expect that sheltered areas of stone buildings...
How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings?How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings?
When sulfurous, sulfuric, and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone, the calcite dissolves. In exposed areas of buildings and statues, we see roughened surfaces, removal of material, and loss of carved details. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. You might expect that sheltered areas of stone buildings...
Learn More
Can lakes near volcanoes become acidic enough to be dangerous to people and animals? Can lakes near volcanoes become acidic enough to be dangerous to people and animals?
Yes. Crater lakes atop volcanoes are typically the most acid, with pH values as low as 0.1 (very strong acid). Normal lake waters, in contrast, have relatively neutral pH values near 7.0. The crater lake at El Chichon volcano in Mexico had a pH of 0.5 in 1983 and Mount Pinatubo's crater lake had a pH of 1.9 in 1992. The acid waters of these lakes are capable of causing burns to human skin but are...
Can lakes near volcanoes become acidic enough to be dangerous to people and animals?Can lakes near volcanoes become acidic enough to be dangerous to people and animals?
Yes. Crater lakes atop volcanoes are typically the most acid, with pH values as low as 0.1 (very strong acid). Normal lake waters, in contrast, have relatively neutral pH values near 7.0. The crater lake at El Chichon volcano in Mexico had a pH of 0.5 in 1983 and Mount Pinatubo's crater lake had a pH of 1.9 in 1992. The acid waters of these lakes are capable of causing burns to human skin but are...
Learn More
What is methane and why is it a safety concern? What is methane and why is it a safety concern?
Methane (a gas composed of carbon and hydrogen) is produced two ways: Through biologic decomposition of organic matter at shallow depths. Swamps, landfills, and even shallow bedrock are some settings where this occurs. Methane can also be derived over millions of years by high pressure and high temperature processes that produce fossil fuels deep underground. Examples include coal deposits and oil...
What is methane and why is it a safety concern?What is methane and why is it a safety concern?
Methane (a gas composed of carbon and hydrogen) is produced two ways: Through biologic decomposition of organic matter at shallow depths. Swamps, landfills, and even shallow bedrock are some settings where this occurs. Methane can also be derived over millions of years by high pressure and high temperature processes that produce fossil fuels deep underground. Examples include coal deposits and oil...
Learn More
How do we extract minerals? How do we extract minerals?
The primary methods used to extract minerals from the ground are: Underground mining Surface (open pit) mining Placer mining The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. Higher-grade metallic ores found in veins deep under the Earth’s...
How do we extract minerals?How do we extract minerals?
The primary methods used to extract minerals from the ground are: Underground mining Surface (open pit) mining Placer mining The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. Higher-grade metallic ores found in veins deep under the Earth’s...
Learn More Label List Grid
PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California July 26, 2018 PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California
PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain CaliforniaTitle: Iron Mountain, California: An Extreme Acid Mine Drainage Environment
By Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series July 26, 2018 PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California
PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain CaliforniaPubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California
PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain CaliforniaTitle: Iron Mountain, California: An Extreme Acid Mine Drainage Environment
By Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series
Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek March 15, 2016 Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek
Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement CreekWestern view toward the Red Mountains near Silverton, Colorado, taken just upstream from the North Fork Cement Creek drainage in 2006. The photo illustrates acidic drainage (red drainage at right) and less acidic drainage (white drainage at left of photo) that originates from altered rocks and mines in the watershed.
By Contaminant Biology, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, Communications and Publishing March 15, 2016 Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek
Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement CreekRoss basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek
Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement CreekWestern view toward the Red Mountains near Silverton, Colorado, taken just upstream from the North Fork Cement Creek drainage in 2006. The photo illustrates acidic drainage (red drainage at right) and less acidic drainage (white drainage at left of photo) that originates from altered rocks and mines in the watershed.
By Contaminant Biology, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, Communications and Publishing
PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush March 26, 2015 PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush
PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rushby Andrea Foster, USGS Research Geologist & Christopher Kim, Associate Professor, Chapman University
By Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series March 26, 2015 PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush
PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold RushPubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush
PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rushby Andrea Foster, USGS Research Geologist & Christopher Kim, Associate Professor, Chapman University
By Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series
Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals December 10, 2012 Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals
Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals Dried Acid Mine Drainage ResidualsDried acid mine drainage residuals that are formed during treatment of the drainage. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.
By Water Resources, Communications and Publishing December 10, 2012 Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals
Dried Acid Mine Drainage ResidualsDried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals
Dried Acid Mine Drainage ResidualsDried acid mine drainage residuals that are formed during treatment of the drainage. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.
By Water Resources, Communications and Publishing
USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) June 22, 2009 Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms
Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms Tracking Mercury from Ore to OrganismsMercury Cycling and Bioaccumulation In a Mine-Dominated Ecosystem.
By Communications and Publishing USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) June 22, 2009 Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms
Tracking Mercury from Ore to OrganismsTracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms
Tracking Mercury from Ore to OrganismsMercury Cycling and Bioaccumulation In a Mine-Dominated Ecosystem.
By Communications and Publishing
CoreFacts Album Artwork CoreFacts Album Artwork What is mine drainage and how does it occur? What is mine drainage and how does it occur? CoreFacts Album Artwork CoreFacts Album Artwork July 13, 2008 What is mine drainage and how does it occur?
What is mine drainage and how does it occur? What is mine drainage and how does it occur?Listen to hear the answer.
By Communications and Publishing CoreFacts Album Artwork CoreFacts Album Artwork July 13, 2008 What is mine drainage and how does it occur?
What is mine drainage and how does it occur?What is mine drainage and how does it occur?
What is mine drainage and how does it occur?Listen to hear the answer.
By Communications and Publishing
Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA November 6, 2007 Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA
Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PASampling acid mine drainage residuals in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.
By Water Resources Mission Area, Communications and Publishing November 6, 2007 Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA
Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PASampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA
Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PASampling acid mine drainage residuals in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.
By Water Resources Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream November 17, 2005 Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream
Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian StreamAn acid mine drainage discharge forms a plume in a stream in the Appalachian region.
By Water Resources, Communications and Publishing November 17, 2005 Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream
Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian StreamAcid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream
Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian StreamAn acid mine drainage discharge forms a plume in a stream in the Appalachian region.
By Water Resources, Communications and Publishing Items per page 6 12 Label April 21, 2021USGS National Water Quality Monitoring Network USGS National Water Quality Monitoring Network
What is the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Monitoring Network? Understanding the water quality of U.S. streams and rivers requires consistent data collection and analysis over decades. The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Water Quality Network (NWQN) was established to facilitate national-scale understanding of surface-water quality conditions through the... Authors Melissa Riskin, Casey Lee By Water Resources Mission Area, New Jersey Water Science Center July 1, 2016Acid mine drainage Acid mine drainage
Acid mine drainage (AMD) consists of metal-laden solutions produced by the oxidative dissolution of iron sulfide minerals exposed to air, moisture, and acidophilic microbes during the mining of coal and metal deposits. The pH of AMD is usually in the range of 2–6, but mine-impacted waters at circumneutral pH (5–8) are also common. Mine drainage usually contains elevated concentrations of... Authors Jerry Bigham, Charles A. Cravotta By Water Resources Mission Area, Pennsylvania Water Science Center January 1, 2010An approach to quantify sources, seasonal change, and biogeochemical processes affecting metal loading in streams: Facilitating decisions for remediation of mine drainage An approach to quantify sources, seasonal change, and biogeochemical processes affecting metal loading in streams: Facilitating decisions for remediation of mine drainage
Historical mining has left complex problems in catchments throughout the world. Land managers are faced with making cost-effective plans to remediate mine influences. Remediation plans are facilitated by spatial mass-loading profiles that indicate the locations of metal mass-loading, seasonal changes, and the extent of biogeochemical processes. Field-scale experiments during both low-... Authors B. Kimball, R.L. Runkel, K. Walton-Day By Ecosystems Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, Colorado Water Science Center August 1, 2000Mercury contamination from historic gold mining in California Mercury contamination from historic gold mining in California
Mercury contamination from historic gold mines represents a potential risk to human health and the environment. This fact sheet provides background information on the use of mercury in historic gold mining and processing operations in California, and describes a new USGS project that addresses the potential risks associated with mercury from these sources, with emphasis on historic... Authors Charles Alpers, Michael Hunerlach By Ecosystems Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program January 1, 2000Hands-on experiments to test for acid mine drainage Hands-on experiments to test for acid mine drainage
No abstract available. Authors Eleanora Robbins, Sandra McSurdy, Timothy Craddock August 1, 1999Microbial and spectral reflectance techniques to distinguish neutral and acidic drainage Microbial and spectral reflectance techniques to distinguish neutral and acidic drainage
Acid drainage from abandoned coal mines is affecting thousands of miles of rivers in the eastern United States. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are finding that neutral drainage is sometimes being mistaken for acidic drainage because both involve the formation of iron oxide-rich materials. USGS scientists are adapting microbial techniques to learn about the processes that form... Authors Eleanora Robbins January 1, 1999Acute toxicity of an acid mine drainage mixing zone to juvenile bluegill and largemouth bass Acute toxicity of an acid mine drainage mixing zone to juvenile bluegill and largemouth bass
The toxicity of an acid mixing zone produced at the confluence of a stream that was contaminated by acid mine drainage (AMD) and a pH-neutral stream was investigated in toxicity tests with juvenile bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. Fish mortalities in instream cages located in the mixing zone, below the mixing zone, and upstream in both tributaries... Authors T.B. Henry, E.R. Irwin, J.M. Grizzle, M. L. Wildhaber, W. Brumbaugh By Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center Items per page 6 12 Label New USGS Filter Removes Phosphorus from Waste Water July 19, 2017New USGS Filter Removes Phosphorus from Waste Water
A tabletop water filter demo designed to remove phosphorus from waste water has in five-years grown into a fully functional water treatment system...
Read Article No Silver Bullet, But a Silver Lining May 12, 2015No Silver Bullet, But a Silver Lining
Once so cheap it was used for pennies, copper is now so valuable that pennies contain almost no copper and they still cost more than one cent to make...
Read ArticleRelated
FAQ Items per page 6 12 Label Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants? Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants?
Plants naturally grow in and around lakes, but sometimes lakes and ponds can get an overgrowth of plants, algae, or bacteria. In many cases, humans are responsible. Chemicals that are used on lawns and in agriculture (like nitrogen and potassium) wash into our water systems. Once there, plants and algae have a feast on this “food.” Sometimes overgrowths of cyanobacteria (called “blooms”) can make...
Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants?Why are some lakes full of algae and thick plants?
Plants naturally grow in and around lakes, but sometimes lakes and ponds can get an overgrowth of plants, algae, or bacteria. In many cases, humans are responsible. Chemicals that are used on lawns and in agriculture (like nitrogen and potassium) wash into our water systems. Once there, plants and algae have a feast on this “food.” Sometimes overgrowths of cyanobacteria (called “blooms”) can make...
Learn More How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings? How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings?
When sulfurous, sulfuric, and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone, the calcite dissolves. In exposed areas of buildings and statues, we see roughened surfaces, removal of material, and loss of carved details. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. You might expect that sheltered areas of stone buildings...
How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings?How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings?
When sulfurous, sulfuric, and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone, the calcite dissolves. In exposed areas of buildings and statues, we see roughened surfaces, removal of material, and loss of carved details. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. You might expect that sheltered areas of stone buildings...
Learn More Can lakes near volcanoes become acidic enough to be dangerous to people and animals? Can lakes near volcanoes become acidic enough to be dangerous to people and animals?
Yes. Crater lakes atop volcanoes are typically the most acid, with pH values as low as 0.1 (very strong acid). Normal lake waters, in contrast, have relatively neutral pH values near 7.0. The crater lake at El Chichon volcano in Mexico had a pH of 0.5 in 1983 and Mount Pinatubo's crater lake had a pH of 1.9 in 1992. The acid waters of these lakes are capable of causing burns to human skin but are...
Can lakes near volcanoes become acidic enough to be dangerous to people and animals?Can lakes near volcanoes become acidic enough to be dangerous to people and animals?
Yes. Crater lakes atop volcanoes are typically the most acid, with pH values as low as 0.1 (very strong acid). Normal lake waters, in contrast, have relatively neutral pH values near 7.0. The crater lake at El Chichon volcano in Mexico had a pH of 0.5 in 1983 and Mount Pinatubo's crater lake had a pH of 1.9 in 1992. The acid waters of these lakes are capable of causing burns to human skin but are...
Learn More What is methane and why is it a safety concern? What is methane and why is it a safety concern?
Methane (a gas composed of carbon and hydrogen) is produced two ways: Through biologic decomposition of organic matter at shallow depths. Swamps, landfills, and even shallow bedrock are some settings where this occurs. Methane can also be derived over millions of years by high pressure and high temperature processes that produce fossil fuels deep underground. Examples include coal deposits and oil...
What is methane and why is it a safety concern?What is methane and why is it a safety concern?
Methane (a gas composed of carbon and hydrogen) is produced two ways: Through biologic decomposition of organic matter at shallow depths. Swamps, landfills, and even shallow bedrock are some settings where this occurs. Methane can also be derived over millions of years by high pressure and high temperature processes that produce fossil fuels deep underground. Examples include coal deposits and oil...
Learn More How do we extract minerals? How do we extract minerals?
The primary methods used to extract minerals from the ground are: Underground mining Surface (open pit) mining Placer mining The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. Higher-grade metallic ores found in veins deep under the Earth’s...
How do we extract minerals?How do we extract minerals?
The primary methods used to extract minerals from the ground are: Underground mining Surface (open pit) mining Placer mining The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. Higher-grade metallic ores found in veins deep under the Earth’s...
Learn More Multimedia Label List Grid PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California July 26, 2018 PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California
PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain CaliforniaTitle: Iron Mountain, California: An Extreme Acid Mine Drainage Environment
By Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series July 26, 2018 PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California
PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain CaliforniaPubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain California
PubTalk 7/2018— Extreme acid mine drainage at Iron Mountain CaliforniaTitle: Iron Mountain, California: An Extreme Acid Mine Drainage Environment
By Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek March 15, 2016 Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek
Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement CreekWestern view toward the Red Mountains near Silverton, Colorado, taken just upstream from the North Fork Cement Creek drainage in 2006. The photo illustrates acidic drainage (red drainage at right) and less acidic drainage (white drainage at left of photo) that originates from altered rocks and mines in the watershed.
By Contaminant Biology, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, Communications and Publishing March 15, 2016 Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek
Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement CreekRoss basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement Creek
Ross basin, upper Cement Creek in Watershed above North Fork Cement CreekWestern view toward the Red Mountains near Silverton, Colorado, taken just upstream from the North Fork Cement Creek drainage in 2006. The photo illustrates acidic drainage (red drainage at right) and less acidic drainage (white drainage at left of photo) that originates from altered rocks and mines in the watershed.
By Contaminant Biology, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, Communications and Publishing PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush March 26, 2015 PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush
PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rushby Andrea Foster, USGS Research Geologist & Christopher Kim, Associate Professor, Chapman University
By Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series March 26, 2015 PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush
PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold RushPubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rush
PubTalk 3/2015 — The Environmental Legacy of California's Gold Rushby Andrea Foster, USGS Research Geologist & Christopher Kim, Associate Professor, Chapman University
By Communications and Publishing, Public Lecture Series Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals December 10, 2012 Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals
Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals Dried Acid Mine Drainage ResidualsDried acid mine drainage residuals that are formed during treatment of the drainage. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.
By Water Resources, Communications and Publishing December 10, 2012 Dried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals
Dried Acid Mine Drainage ResidualsDried Acid Mine Drainage Residuals
Dried Acid Mine Drainage ResidualsDried acid mine drainage residuals that are formed during treatment of the drainage. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.
By Water Resources, Communications and Publishing USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) June 22, 2009 Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms
Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms Tracking Mercury from Ore to OrganismsMercury Cycling and Bioaccumulation In a Mine-Dominated Ecosystem.
By Communications and Publishing USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) USGS Visual Identity - Black (TM) June 22, 2009 Tracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms
Tracking Mercury from Ore to OrganismsTracking Mercury from Ore to Organisms
Tracking Mercury from Ore to OrganismsMercury Cycling and Bioaccumulation In a Mine-Dominated Ecosystem.
By Communications and Publishing CoreFacts Album Artwork CoreFacts Album Artwork What is mine drainage and how does it occur? What is mine drainage and how does it occur? CoreFacts Album Artwork CoreFacts Album Artwork July 13, 2008 What is mine drainage and how does it occur?
What is mine drainage and how does it occur? What is mine drainage and how does it occur?Listen to hear the answer.
By Communications and Publishing CoreFacts Album Artwork CoreFacts Album Artwork July 13, 2008 What is mine drainage and how does it occur?
What is mine drainage and how does it occur?What is mine drainage and how does it occur?
What is mine drainage and how does it occur?Listen to hear the answer.
By Communications and Publishing Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA November 6, 2007 Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA
Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PASampling acid mine drainage residuals in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.
By Water Resources Mission Area, Communications and Publishing November 6, 2007 Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA
Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PASampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA
Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PASampling acid mine drainage residuals in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.
By Water Resources Mission Area, Communications and Publishing Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream November 17, 2005 Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream
Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian StreamAn acid mine drainage discharge forms a plume in a stream in the Appalachian region.
By Water Resources, Communications and Publishing November 17, 2005 Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream
Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian StreamAcid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian Stream
Acid Mine Drainage Discharge Appalachian StreamAn acid mine drainage discharge forms a plume in a stream in the Appalachian region.
By Water Resources, Communications and Publishing Publications Items per page 6 12 Label April 21, 2021USGS National Water Quality Monitoring Network USGS National Water Quality Monitoring Network
What is the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Monitoring Network? Understanding the water quality of U.S. streams and rivers requires consistent data collection and analysis over decades. The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Water Quality Network (NWQN) was established to facilitate national-scale understanding of surface-water quality conditions through the... Authors Melissa Riskin, Casey Lee By Water Resources Mission Area, New Jersey Water Science Center July 1, 2016Acid mine drainage Acid mine drainage
Acid mine drainage (AMD) consists of metal-laden solutions produced by the oxidative dissolution of iron sulfide minerals exposed to air, moisture, and acidophilic microbes during the mining of coal and metal deposits. The pH of AMD is usually in the range of 2–6, but mine-impacted waters at circumneutral pH (5–8) are also common. Mine drainage usually contains elevated concentrations of... Authors Jerry Bigham, Charles A. Cravotta By Water Resources Mission Area, Pennsylvania Water Science Center January 1, 2010An approach to quantify sources, seasonal change, and biogeochemical processes affecting metal loading in streams: Facilitating decisions for remediation of mine drainage An approach to quantify sources, seasonal change, and biogeochemical processes affecting metal loading in streams: Facilitating decisions for remediation of mine drainage
Historical mining has left complex problems in catchments throughout the world. Land managers are faced with making cost-effective plans to remediate mine influences. Remediation plans are facilitated by spatial mass-loading profiles that indicate the locations of metal mass-loading, seasonal changes, and the extent of biogeochemical processes. Field-scale experiments during both low-... Authors B. Kimball, R.L. Runkel, K. Walton-Day By Ecosystems Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, Colorado Water Science Center August 1, 2000Mercury contamination from historic gold mining in California Mercury contamination from historic gold mining in California
Mercury contamination from historic gold mines represents a potential risk to human health and the environment. This fact sheet provides background information on the use of mercury in historic gold mining and processing operations in California, and describes a new USGS project that addresses the potential risks associated with mercury from these sources, with emphasis on historic... Authors Charles Alpers, Michael Hunerlach By Ecosystems Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program January 1, 2000Hands-on experiments to test for acid mine drainage Hands-on experiments to test for acid mine drainage
No abstract available. Authors Eleanora Robbins, Sandra McSurdy, Timothy Craddock August 1, 1999Microbial and spectral reflectance techniques to distinguish neutral and acidic drainage Microbial and spectral reflectance techniques to distinguish neutral and acidic drainage
Acid drainage from abandoned coal mines is affecting thousands of miles of rivers in the eastern United States. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are finding that neutral drainage is sometimes being mistaken for acidic drainage because both involve the formation of iron oxide-rich materials. USGS scientists are adapting microbial techniques to learn about the processes that form... Authors Eleanora Robbins January 1, 1999Acute toxicity of an acid mine drainage mixing zone to juvenile bluegill and largemouth bass Acute toxicity of an acid mine drainage mixing zone to juvenile bluegill and largemouth bass
The toxicity of an acid mixing zone produced at the confluence of a stream that was contaminated by acid mine drainage (AMD) and a pH-neutral stream was investigated in toxicity tests with juvenile bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. Fish mortalities in instream cages located in the mixing zone, below the mixing zone, and upstream in both tributaries... Authors T.B. Henry, E.R. Irwin, J.M. Grizzle, M. L. Wildhaber, W. Brumbaugh By Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center News Items per page 6 12 Label New USGS Filter Removes Phosphorus from Waste Water July 19, 2017New USGS Filter Removes Phosphorus from Waste Water
A tabletop water filter demo designed to remove phosphorus from waste water has in five-years grown into a fully functional water treatment system...
Read Article No Silver Bullet, But a Silver Lining May 12, 2015No Silver Bullet, But a Silver Lining
Once so cheap it was used for pennies, copper is now so valuable that pennies contain almost no copper and they still cost more than one cent to make...
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Tag » What Is Acid Mine Drainage
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Acid Mine Drainage - An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics
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Acid Mine Drainage - Wikipedia
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[PDF] What Is Acid Mine Drainage
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Abandoned Mine Drainage | US EPA
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Acid Mine Drainage - Earthworks
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What Is Acid Mine Drainage? Definition, Causes, And Examples
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Mine Drainage | U.S. Geological Survey
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Acid Mine Drainage | IDE Technologies
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Acid Mine Drainage | Extension | West Virginia University
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Hands-On Experiments To Learn About Acid Mine Drainage
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What Can Be Done To Prevent Or Clean Up Acid Mine Drainage?
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Techniques To Correct And Prevent Acid Mine Drainage: A Review
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Acid Mine Drainage: From Waste To Resources - 1st Edition