Acid Mine Drainage

The image at the right was taken on the North Fork of the Blackwater River, Tucker Co., WV. The orange deposits, called yellow boy, are characteristic of streams polluted with acidic drainage from nearby coal mines. In the image, you can clearly see the normal level of river flow by looking at the rocks on the right-hand side of the stream; the orange only extends to where the highly polluted river water is in extended contact with the rocks.

In this model you will learn the chemical processes that cause yellow boy, as well as how acidification from coal mines can damage streams. You will also learn what measures can be taken to remediate these streams, as well as the chemistry behind the treatment. You will then use water chemistry to plot the effects of AMD on a stream system. Finally, you will perform a real-life laboratory experiment to determine the cost of AMD treatment.