Mechanism and In Situ Prevention of Oxidation in Coal Gangue Piles: A Review Aiming to Reduce Acid Pollution

Yuanyuan Li, Yingjia Cao, Mengying Ruan, Rui Li, Qi Bian and Zhenqi Hu ()
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Yuanyuan Li: School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Yingjia Cao: School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Mengying Ruan: Institute of Land Reclamation and Ecological Restoration, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Rui Li: School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Qi Bian: School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Zhenqi Hu: School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-21

Abstract: The acid pollution produced from coal gangue piles is a global environmental problem. Terminal technologies, such as neutralization, precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, membrane technology, biological treatment, and electrochemistry, have been developed for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment. These technologies for treating pollutants with low concentrations over a long period of time in coal gangue piles appear to be costly and unsustainable. Conversely, in situ remediation appears to be more cost-effective and material-efficient, but it is a challenge that coal producing countries need to solve urgently. The primary prerequisite for preventing acidic pollutants is to clarify the oxidation mechanisms of coal gangue, which can be summarized as four aspects: pyrite oxidation, microbial action, low-temperature oxidation of coal, and free radical action. The two key factors of oxidation are pyrite and coal, and the four necessary conditions are water, oxygen, microorganisms, and free radicals. The current in situ remediation technologies mainly focus on one or more of the four necessary conditions, forming mixed co-disposal, coverage barriers, passivation coatings, bactericides, coal oxidation inhibitors, microorganisms, plants, and so on. It is necessary to scientifically and systematically carry out in situ remediation coupled with various technologies based on oxidation mechanisms when carrying out large-scale restoration and treatment of acidic coal gangue piles.

Keywords: pyrite; microorganism; free radical; passivation coating; bactericides; inhibitor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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