1. A PowerPoint Presentation By Benjamin Garza ACID MINE DRAINAGE (AMD)

2. Acid Mine Drainage What is it??? Weathering of Pyrite!!!!!! Pyrite oxidises and produces acidic water (ph < 3) This water is very acidic, for it causes other heavy metals and toxic elements to solubilise. The toxic mix of elements is carried downstream and it is eventually carried out into the ocean.

3. Pyrite What is Pyrite? A mineral composed of iron and sulphur (FeS2) AKA “Fools Gold”” Pyrite is very brittle and it breaks and turns into powder very easily. Small quantities of gold are sometimes found in pyrite, but don’t be fooled!! Pyrite is very plentiful and frequently occurs in octahedral crystals.

4. Pyrite Locations Where is pyrite found and why is it such a problem??? Mining and excavations expose the large quantities of pyrite, and when the pyrite mixes with oxygen and water, it forms sulphuric acid which is very toxic. Mining!!! Excavations!!!! Abandoned Mines!!!!

5. Affects Who and what does AMD affect?? The toxic elements that are produced from pyrite and AMD, seep into viable water sources where forest wildlife and river, lake, and ocean life live. Forest Wildlife!!! Ocean life!!! Humans!!! Generally affects everyone!!!!!

6. Treatment What are some solutions to AMD? Carbonate neutralization!!! ION exchange!! Constructed (artificial) wetlands!! There are some methods that involve containment or neutralizing AMD at the source, but it is not 100% effective. Earthquakes, tropical storms, and hurricanes can cause flooding which would have devastating effects on wildlife.

7. Awareness Where can more information be found on AMD? AMD can cause severe damage to forest and marine ecosystems. Eventually, the toxic elements contained in AMD will affect our food chain; It must be stopped now! www.greenpeace.org http://www.bioteq.ca/ www.mines.edu www.epa.epa www.inap.com.au