| 1. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Elemental mobility in sulfidic mine tailings reclaimed with paper mill by-products as sealing materials
- 2017
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Pollution Research. - : Springer. - 0944-1344 .- 1614-7499. ; 24:25, s. 20372-20389
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sealing layers made of two alkaline paper mill by-products, fly ash and green liquor dregs, were placed on top of 50-year-old sulfide-containing tailings as a full-scale remediation approach. The performance and effectiveness of the sealing layers with high water content for an oxygen barrier and low hydraulic conductivity for a sealing layer in preventing the formation of acid rock drainage were evaluated 5 years after the remediation. The leaching behavior of the covered tailings was studied using batch leaching tests (L/S ratio 10 L/kg). The leaching results revealed that, in general, the dregs- and ash-covered tailings released relatively lower concentrations of many elements contained in acid rock drainage compared to those from the uncovered tailings. A change in the chemical composition and mineralogical state of the tailings was observed for the tailings beneath the covers. The increase in pH caused by the alkaline materials promoted metal precipitation. Geochemical modeling using PHREEQC confirmed most of the geochemical changes of the covered tailings. Both the ash and dregs showed potential to function as sealing materials in terms of their geochemical properties. However, mobilization of Zn and Ni from the lower part of the dregs-covered tailings was observed. The same phenomenon was observed for the lower part of the ash-covered tailings. Ash showed advantages over dregs as a cover material; based on geochemical studies, the ash immobilized more elements than the dregs did. Lysimeters were installed below the sealing layers, and infiltrating water chemistry and hydrology were studied to monitor the amount and quality of the leachate percolating through.
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| 2. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Geotechnical and chemical characterization of field-applied fly ash as sealing material over mine tailings
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. - : Springer. - 1735-1472 .- 1735-2630. ; 16:3, s. 1701-1710
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present study addresses the geotechnical and chemical properties of sealing materials using a paper mill by-product, fly ash, on top of sulfide-bearing mine waste tailings after 5 years of field application. From a geotechnical perspective, the low in situ bulk density (≤ 1500 kg/m3) ensured a high degree of water saturation (90.2%) for the field-applied ash. The chemical characteristics and behaviors of the fly ash samples reflected a high long-term leaching capacity (liquid-to-solid ratio of 10 cm3/g) and high alkalinity (liquid-to-solid ratio of up to 500 cm3/g). The laboratory leaching results suggested that none of the elements released from the field-applied ash exceeded the EU limits for inert materials, and the concentrations of elements were far below the limits for hazardous materials at landfill sites. Based on the in situ and laboratory characterizations of the field-applied ash, the fly ash sealing material was considered geotechnically stable. However, a number of geotechnical parameters could not be measured due to the cementation of the ash. Moreover, the chemical composition of the field-applied ash exhibited considerable variations when compared with that of the raw ash generated from the same paper mill. Overall, the field-applied ash displayed high alkalinity and effectively buffered the acid generated from sulfidic tailings for long-term sealing purposes.
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| 3. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Degradation of digested sewage sludge residue under anaerobic conditions for mine tailings remediation
- 2014
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Ingår i: Environmental Earth Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1866-6280 .- 1866-6299. ; 72:9, s. 3643-3654
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Previous studies showed that 85 % of total organic matter (TOM) in digested sewage sludge (biosolids) used as a sealing layer material over sulfide tailings at the Kristineberg Mine, northern Sweden had been degraded 8 years after application, resulting in a TOM reduction from 78 % to 14 %. To achieve a better understanding of the field observations, laboratory studies were performed to evaluate biodegradation rates of the TOM under anaerobic conditions. Results reveal that the original biosolid consisted of ca. 60 % TOM (48.0 % lignin and 11.8 % carbohydrates) that had not been fully degraded. The incubation experiments proved that 27.8 % TOM in the biosolid was further degraded anaerobically at 20-22 C during the 230 d incubation period, and that a plateau to the biodegradation rate was approached. Based on model results, the degradation constant was found to be 0.0125 (day-1). The calculated theoretical gas formation potential was ca. 50 % higher than the modeled results based on the average degradation rate. Cumulated H2S equated to 0.65 µmoL*g-1 of biosolid at 230 d. However, the large sulfurous compounds reservoir (1.76 g SO42- kg-1 biosolid) together with anaerobic conditions, can generate high concentrations of this gas over a long-term perspective. Due to the rate of biodegradability identified via anaerobic processes, the function of the biosolid to serve as an effective barrier to inhibit oxygen migration to underlying tailings, may decrease over time. However, a lack of readily degradable organic fractions in the biosolid and a large fraction of organic matter that was recalcitrant to degradation suggests a longer degradation duration, which would prolong the biosolid material’s function and integrity.
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| 4. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of the alkaline industrial residues fly ash, green liquor dregs, and lime mud on mine tailings oxidation when used as covering material
- 2014
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Ingår i: Environmental Earth Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1866-6280 .- 1866-6299. ; 72:2, s. 319-334
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The potential to use the alkaline residue products fly ash, green liquor dregs, and lime mud originating from paper mills as dry cover materials to seal tailings has been investigated. Metals concentration in lime mud and fly ash had the lowest and highest contents, respectively. The tailings (less than 1% sulfur content, primarily pyrite) were disposed about 50 years ago and originated from the former Rönnskär mine site in Sweden. The results of chemical composition analysis shows that the raw unoxidized tailings are active towards oxidation, while the components of the adjacent oxidized tailings are not. To quantify the release of metals from the tailings and to evaluate the effect of a sealing layer on oxidation and weathering of the tailings, batch leaching tests were conducted in which leachate from alkaline residue materials was fed to the tailings. The results show that a higher concentration of most trace elements is leached from the unoxidized tailings than from the oxidized tailings. Except As and Cr, the rest of analyzed metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb) became immobilized in response to the increased pH as a consequence of the amendment. The three tested alkaline amendments show a similar potential for preventing the release of metals (with the exception of As and Cr) from the tailings. Under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions, microbial activity was found to be of minor importance. XRD analysis of the field samples revealed that it was feasible to use alkaline residue products in covering tailings, and that it was advantageous to use ash as a cover material more than dregs.
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| 5. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Investigation of biosolids degradation under flooded environments for use in underwater cover designs for mine tailing remediation
- 2015
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Pollution Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0944-1344 .- 1614-7499. ; 22:13, s. 10047-10057
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To evaluate the potential suitability of digested sewage sludge (frequently termed biosolids) for use as underwater cover material for mine waste tailings, the degradability of biosolids at 20 − 22 °C under flooded anaerobic conditions was evaluated during incubation for 230 days. Leaching of elements from the flooded anaerobic system was also evaluated. Biosolid degradation was confirmed by the generation and accumulation of CH4 and CO2. Specifically, approximately 1.65 mmoL gas/g biosolids was generated as a result of incubation, corresponding to degradation of 7.68 % of the organic matter, and the residue was stable at the end of the laboratory experiment. Under field conditions in northern Sweden, it is expected that the degradation rate will be much slower than that observed in the present study (Nason et al. Environ Earth Sci 70:30933105, 2013). Although the majority of biosolid fractions (>92 %) were shown to be recalcitrant during the incubation period, long-term monitoring of further degradability of residue is necessary. The leaching results showed that most of the metals and metalloids leached from the biosolids at day 230 were below the limit value for non-hazardous waste, although Ni was the only element approximately three times higher than the limit value for inert material at the landfill site. In conclusion, biosolids have potential for use as covering material for underwater storage of tailings based on their biodegradability and leaching of elements.
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| 6. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Metal Mobilization in Tailings Covered with Alkaline Residue Products : Results from a Leaching Test Using Fly Ash, Green Liquor Dregs, and Lime Mud
- 2015
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Ingår i: Mine Water and the Environment. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1025-9112 .- 1616-1068. ; 34:3, s. 270-287
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The in situ dynamics of repeated percolation of rainwater through unoxidized mine tailings was simulated using a modified column test to predict long-term weathering characteristics. Fly ash, green liquor dregs, and lime mud waste materials from the paper mill industry were used in the column tests to assess the effect of alkaline paper mill residue on pH buffering and controlling the mobility of metals and semi-metals from the tailings. The experiment was continued for 15 cycles, each comprising reaction, leaching, and idle steps (1 week per step). The cumulative percolated water through the tailings represented a liquid:solid ratio of 1.6. The leached content of inorganic elements decreased with time in both the covered and the uncovered tailings. The presence of the alkaline materials consistently reduced the mobility of most contaminants (e.g. Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn), but not As. The leachate was modeled using PHREEQC. XRD analysis of the remaining tailings samples after termination of the test showed detectable variations in mineral composition. The alkaline residue products all fulfilled the requirements as a cover material from a geochemical prospective, with the exception of As. The green liquor dregs and lime cover increased the pH of the tailings more rapidly than did the fly ash.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Use of amended tailings as mine waste cover
- 2013
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Ingår i: Waste and Biomass Valorization. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1877-2641 .- 1877-265X. ; 4:4, s. 709-718
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present study addresses the effectiveness of green liquor dregs (GLD, a residue from paper pulp-making) as a paste additive with different proportions in tailings for stabilizing mine waste by testing of uniaxial compressive strength and hydraulic conductivity. Selected samples were also investigated for freeze–thaw effect on hydraulic conductivity, and the water retention capacity was discussed based on previous results. Fly ash was also added to the paste to study the auxiliary functions such as solidification in the sealing material. GLD have the potential for use as a barrier layer material for stabilizing mine tailings by decreasing water percolation and improving water retention properties. However, the solidified paste of GLD-amended tailings possesses low uniaxial compressive strength, but the addition of fly ash to the paste increased the uniaxial compressive strength by up to 2–3 times 1 month after it was solidified, with a further two- to threefold strength increase after 3-months curing time. Although the hydraulic conductivity of the tailings paste decreased as a consequence of mixing with both GLD and FA, the difference was within one order of magnitude. The hydraulic conductivity was also reduced as the water/solid ratio of pure GLD decreased. The climatic freeze–thaw cyclic process led to 20 % increase in hydraulic conductivity. A proportion of 7:2:1 for tailings:GLD:FA was found to be a geotechnical satisfactory recipe to seal the mine waste. If porosity is reduced, improved water retention capacity and no cracking in the tailings can be assured, oxygen diffusion is limited, and oxidation of the mine waste is decelerated, thus mitigating acid rock drainage.
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| 9. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Use of rest products as additive in tailings paste for the mitigation of ARD : Effect of green liquor dregs and fly ash addition on geotechnical stabilization of tailings
- 2012
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on the Environmental and Technical Implications of Construction with Alternative Materials. - : ISCOWA.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study focuses on the effect of green liquor dregs (GLD) and fly ash (FA) on geotechnical stabilization of tailings, using shear strength test.The objectives were to evaluate thickening of tailings using GLD to paste to improve its water retention and to reduce waste percolation, to identify optimal proportion of additives regarding geotechnical stabilization of tailings, and to study the role of FA in the decrease of porosity and thus to reduce oxygen diffusion via hardening process.The results showed that GLD is a potential material for tailings stabilization by decreasing water percolation and improving water retention property. However, the paste of GLD amended tailings withstands low shear strength. The addition of FA to the paste greatly improves shear strength which is up to 2-3 times higher. Moreover, the fly ash hardening process effectively reinforces the strength of GLD amended tailings paste. Longer curing period (3 months) for specimens leads to up to 2-3 folds higher strength compared to that of 1 month. Hydraulic conductivity is reduced as a result of GLD and FA addition, since the porosity of the tailings decreased. If reduced porosity, improved water retention capacity and no cracks are ensured in the tailings, oxygen diffusion can be limited.
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| 10. |
- Jia, Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Variation of green liquor dregs from different pulp and paper mills for use in mine waste remediation
- 2019
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Pollution Research. - : Springer. - 0944-1344 .- 1614-7499. ; 26:30, s. 31284-31300
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The geotechnical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of green liquor dregs (GLDs) generated as byproducts from five paper mills were investigated to assess their buffering and heavy metal immobilization capacities and their roles as water and oxygen barriers. One type of GLD was further studied to test the effects of the retrieval process and the storage, drying, and hydration of GLD. The high water retention capacity of the GLDs is valuable for limiting O2diffusion. Laboratory results showed that the GLDs had hydraulic conductivities of 3.7 × 10−9–4.6 × 10−8 m/s and varied regularly in plasticity. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of the GLDs varied greatly, reflecting the raw material used to produce paper and the process used to retrieve GLDs. Although they had high total heavy metal contents, none of the leached elements from the GLDs (L/S 10 cm3/kg) exceeded the European Union’s limits for landfills of non-hazardous waste. The GLDs exhibited high buffering capacities. In a supplementary test, the buffering capacities varied (0.0041–0.0114 M H+/g GLD) over 72 d after acid was added to the GLD. Changing the filtration process did not greatly affect the GLDs’ properties but mainly affected the hydraulic conductivity, total heavy metal contents and sulfur content. Analyzing the storage of GLDs is necessary in the mining industry because remediation measures require large amounts of material over short periods. The buffering capacity of the dried GLD decreased slightly. The effect of dewatering caused by the mixing of 2% Na-lignosulfate with GLD (w/w) was low.
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