The evolution of mine waters quality at the locality of Smolník

Abstract

At the present time, acid mine drainage (AMD) is considered to be one of the worst environmental problems associated with the mining activity. AMD originates as a result of natural oxidation of sulphide minerals, mainly pyrite when exposed to the combined action of water and oxygen and negative affects the whole ecology of aquatic environment. The article presents results of monitoring and trends in the evolution of acid mine drainage quality at the locality of Smolník from year 1986 till 2005 and the assumed geochemical processes occurring with the generation and evolution of acid mine drainage.

Keywords

• acid mine drainage
• heavy metals
• geochemical processes