<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>One of the legacies of the coal mining industry is the existence of numerous colliery spoil mounds. Run-off waters from some of these mounds result in oxidation of sulphur compounds causing pH to drop to perhaps as low as 2.5. At this pH, mobility for metals increases and it results in destruction of both flora and fauna. In order to reduce acidity, a number of solutions have been investigated with varying degree of success. A recent study to reduce acidity in spoil run-off water included the use of Basic Oxygen Steel slag. Its slow release of lime resulted in longer term remediation compared with other techniques. In addition to this, steel slag contains elements which are essential for plant growth and can be regarded as a weak fertiliser. This was substantiated in two field trials, which had the aim of not only remediating acidity from two different types of colliery spoils, but also to develop a composition that supports grass growth. The objectives were achieved at both sites and some of the results of over 5000 chemical tests conducted during these studies are reported in this paper.</p></abstract>

One of the legacies of the coal mining industry is the existence of numerous colliery spoil mounds. Run-off waters from some of these mounds result in oxidation of sulphur compounds causing pH to drop to perhaps as low as 2.5. At this pH, mobility for metals increases and it results in destruction of both flora and fauna. In order to reduce acidity, a number of solutions have been investigated with varying degree of success. A recent study to reduce acidity in spoil run-off water included the use of Basic Oxygen Steel slag. Its slow release of lime resulted in longer term remediation compared with other techniques. In addition to this, steel slag contains elements which are essential for plant growth and can be regarded as a weak fertiliser. This was substantiated in two field trials, which had the aim of not only remediating acidity from two different types of colliery spoils, but also to develop a composition that supports grass growth. The objectives were achieved at both sites and some of the results of over 5000 chemical tests conducted during these studies are reported in this paper.

Remediation of Acid Generating Colliery Spoil Using Steel Slag – Case Studies

School of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B152TT, United Kingdom

Lafarge Tarmac Limited, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, WV46JP, United Kingdom

Previously of Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, United Kingdom

Studia Geotechnica et Mechanica

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

One of the legacies of the coal mining industry is the existence of numerous colliery spoil mounds. Run-off waters from some of these mounds result in...

Remediation of Acid Generating Colliery Spoil Using Steel Slag – Case Studies

Published Online: Aug 28, 2015

Page range: 75 - 84

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/sgem-2015-0024

Keywords
Keywords colliery spoil, steel slag, limestone quarry fines, remediation of acidity

© by Gurmel S. Ghataora

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Remediation of Acid Generating Colliery Spoil Using Steel Slag – Case Studies

Published Online: Aug 28, 2015

Page range: 75 - 84

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/sgem-2015-0024

KeywordsKeywords colliery spoil, steel slag, limestone quarry fines, remediation of acidity

© by Gurmel S. Ghataora

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Keywords colliery spoil, steel slag, limestone quarry fines, remediation of acidity