In a laboratory study, effectiveness of limestone and lignite in treatment of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) (pH 2.19, Al 324 mg/L, Cu 780 mg/L, Cr 318 mg/L, Co 380 mg/L, Fe 267 mg/L, Pb trace and Zn 729 mg/L) was examined. Limestone and lignite alone were not found to be effective in the treatment process; however, appreciable reduction in metal concentration and increase in pH with limestone-lignite and lime-coated lignite was observed. The study demonstrates that limestone and lignite in conjunction can be used for effective treatment of AMD. A flowsheet for subsurface treatment of AMD has been proposed.

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