Stability of metal-rich residues from laboratory multi-step treatment system for ferriferous acid mine drainage

Passive systems are often used for the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) on closed and abandoned mine sites. Metal-rich residues (solid precipitates) with variable chemical composition and physical properties can be generated. Their characterization is required to better anticipate the potential fate, including stability for disposal, potential recovery, or reuse. The present study evaluated the leaching potential of solids from a laboratory passive multi-step treatment for Fe-rich AMD (2350 ± 330 mg/L Fe_tot, 0.7 ± 0.4 mg/L Ni, 0.2 ± 3.0 mg/L Zn, and 5073 ± 407 mg/L SO₄^2-, at pH 3.04 ± 0.45). To do so, post-treatment solids from three units (Fe-pretreatment reactor (50% wood chips and 50% wood ash, WA50), passive biochemical reactor, PBR for SO₄^2- treatment (30% inorganic materials, 70% organic substrate), and polishing reactor (50% calcite and 50% wood chips, C50)) of a pilot laboratory treatment system were sampled. Physicochemical and mineralogical characterization, as well as static leaching tests were then performed. Results showed that all solids had high neutralizing potential, while high inorganic carbon was found in C50. Moreover, high metal concentrations were found in WA50. Metals and sulfates in all solids precipitated in the form of oxyhydroxides, oxy-hydroxy-sulfates, carbonates, sulfides, sulfate, and native sulfur. The Fe was not found as problematic contaminant in solids, but it was in AMD. However, a probable generation of contaminated neutral drainage by Ni and Zn could occur from WA50. The C50 had the highest acid neutralizing capacity and could better resist to acid aggression relative to solids from PBR and WA50. The PBR and C50 solids were considered as non-hazardous towards regulation's limits and a potential co-disposal with municipal wastes could be a storage option. Further studies should be undertaken by testing other leaching and kinetic tests to assess long-term metal stability.