A column experiment for groundwater remediation post-mine closure at the Wolverine Mine, Yukon
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Issue Date
2012-05-25
Editor
Authors
Mioska, Mary Judith
License
Subject
Contaminated Groundwater
Semi-Passive Treatment
Wolverine Mine, Yukon
Semi-Passive Treatment
Wolverine Mine, Yukon
Abstract
Research is presented that evaluates a semi-passive treatment system for remediation of
contaminated groundwater with elevated dissolved metal concentrations, including selenium and
sulphate, at the Wolverine Mine, Yukon. Laboratory up-flow columns were used to treat
simulated mine impacted waters. Five columns were filled with varying compositions of gravel
and creek substrate organics, and were un-amended or amended with manure, sewage sludge,
zero-valent iron, or wood chips and alfalfa. Selenium, sulphate and other parameters of concern
were lowered in column effluents, most effectively by the control column and by the columns
amended with sewage sludge. Column effluent metal and sulphate concentrations provided
evidence that co-precipitation, adsorption and microbially mediated redox reactions were the
predominant biogeochemical mechanisms operating within the columns. Based on this research,
recommendations are made to further the design of a semi-passive treatment system that may be
installed at the mine site upon closure.