Application of encapsulation (pH-sensitive polymer and phosphate buffer macrocapsules): a novel approach to remediation of acidic ground water.
Macrocapsules, composed of a pH-sensitive polymer and phosphate buffer, offer a novel remediation alternative for acidic ground waters. To test their potential effectiveness, laboratory experiments were carried out followed by a field trial within a coal pile runoff (CPR) acidic contaminant plume. Results of traditional limestone and macrocapsule treatments were compared in both laboratory and field experiments. Macrocapsules were more effective than limestone as a passive treatment for raising pH in well water from 2.5 to 6 in both laboratory and field experiments. The limestone treatments had limited impact on pH, only increasing pH as high as 3.3, and armoring by iron was evident in the field trial. Aluminum, iron and sulfate concentrations remained relatively constant throughout the experiments, but phosphate increased (0.15-32 mg/L), indicating macrocapsule release. This research confirmed that macrocapsules may be an effective alternative to limestone to treat highly acidic ground water.
Aelion
C Marjorie
CM
University of South Carolina, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. aelionm@sc.edu
Davis
Harley T
HT
Flora
Joseph R V
JR
Kirtland
Brian C
BC
Amidon
Mark B
MB
D002021:Buffers; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D003032:Coal Mining; D004463:Ecology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007220:Industrial Waste; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis; D052638:Particulate Matter; D010710:Phosphates; D011108:Polymers; D013464:Sulfuric Acids / Q000032:analysis; D014872:Water Movements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis; D014876:Water Pollution; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D002021:Buffers; D007220:Industrial Waste; D052638:Particulate Matter; D010710:Phosphates; D011108:Polymers; D013464:Sulfuric Acids; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D007501:Iron; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; C033158:sulfuric acid