A Method to Simulate the Impact of Acid Mine Drainage on River Systems

Abandoned mines create pollution problems in rivers as minewater levels rise and discharges of metal-rich acidic waters occur. Mines adjacent to rivers can cause serious pollution problems, reducing fish stocks and preventing restocking. A computer model has been used to simulate the impact of these discharges and to devise an optimal treatment strategy to meet river quality objectives. The use of this model, through application to two case studies, is described.