A review of passive systems for the treatment of acid mine drainage

This review presents the current state of development of the passive mine water treatment technologies. The background of passive treatment is reviewed and the chemical and biological processes involved in metals removal and acidity neutralisation are detailed. The types of currently existing passive treatment technologies and their applicability range as defined by the mine water chemistry are presented. Finally, the performance of passive systems constructed for the treatment of acid mine drainage from both coal and sulphide metal mines is summarised.