Research Outputs (Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/21341
For information on accessing Research Articles content please contact Salome Potgieter by email : salome.potgieter@wits.ac.za or Tel : 011 717 1961

Browse

Browsing Research Outputs (Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering) by Keyword "regression equations"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Critical evaluation of the chemical composition of acid mine drainage for the development of statistical correlations linking electrical conductivity with acid mine drainage concentrations
    (Elsevier, 2022-05-06) Smith, J.; Sheridan, C.; van Dyk, L.; Harding, K.G.
    The design an effective treatment processes for the remediation of acid mine drainage (AMD) requires an understanding of the composition of the AMD water. The pH and elemental composition of AMD waters are site specific and are dependent on the regional geology, and environmental factors. To establish the chemical and physical characteristics of two AMD sites located in the Mpumalanga coal mining region, South Africa, samples were taken between February 2018 to April 2019. These data were compared against regulatory legislation, and the potential health effects of exposure indicated. Strong correlations were noted between parameters and statistical evaluation demonstrated that electrical conductivity (EC) could be a useful correlative for prediction of total acidity, dissolved iron, and sulfur concentrations in acidic AMD waters. From these findings, empirical correlations were used to derive regression equations which were used to derive the EC values corresponding to the respective water quality limits for TDS, dissolved iron, and sulfur to provide a rapid method for testing compliance. Given the site specificity of AMD composition, this approach is intended as a proof of concept for the development of a methodology for adaption at other AMD sites. The regression equations should not be considered as universal to all AMD sites and EC should also not be used as a replacement for more complete chemical analysis.