Acid Mine Drainage
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a type of water pollution that occurs when sulfide minerals in rocks are exposed to air and water during mining activities. This exposure leads to a chemical reaction that produces sulfuric acid, which can leach heavy metals from the surrounding environment. The resulting acidic water can contaminate nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater, harming aquatic life and ecosystems.
The effects of AMD can be severe, as it lowers the pH of water bodies and increases the concentration of toxic metals like lead, copper, and zinc. Remediation efforts often involve neutralizing the acid with materials like lime or constructing treatment systems to manage the contaminated water.