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A Mathematical Model for Acid Mine Drainage Removal and Iron Hydroxide Crust Formation

Saracusa, Emily L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1302448347

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Science, University of Akron, Applied Mathematics.
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a major ecological problem in the Appalachian coal mining region. When the AMD encounters the waterways it alters the natural composition of the water by lowering the pH. The acidic, metal-rich water is harmful to biological life. Our model is a passive treatment system for thin film fluid effluents in which metals are removed and the fluids are neutralized. In turn, an iron hydroxide crust is formed due to metal removal. The model is based on the abundance of Fe(II) oxidizing bacteria (Fe(II)OB) to enhance conversion of Fe(II) to Fe(III), the availability of oxygen and the AMD Fe(II) concentration. The results predict the changes in concentrations of hydrogen, Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions over the downstream fluid run and the thickness of the crust that is formed. The model also determines the length of the fluid run needed to exhaust the Fe(II) ions from the fluid and hence, the effectiveness of the passive treatment system. Model predictions are compared to data taken from AMD at the Mushroom Farm in Mahoning County, Ohio.
Gerald Young, Dr. (Advisor)
Curtis Clemons, Dr. (Advisor)
Kevin Kreider, Dr. (Advisor)
John Senko, Dr. (Advisor)
95 p.
Mathematics
acid mine drainage; coal mining

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Saracusa, E. L. (2011). A Mathematical Model for Acid Mine Drainage Removal and Iron Hydroxide Crust Formation [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1302448347

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Saracusa, Emily. A Mathematical Model for Acid Mine Drainage Removal and Iron Hydroxide Crust Formation. 2011. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1302448347.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Saracusa, Emily. "A Mathematical Model for Acid Mine Drainage Removal and Iron Hydroxide Crust Formation." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1302448347

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.