Parameter-Based Selection of Acid Mine Drainage and Coal Mine Wastewater Treatment: Evidence and Operational Constraints

Fredy Mukti; Riam Marlina; Fadhilah; Rizto Salia  Zakri

doi:10.53623/idwm.v6i2.1322

Acid mine drainage (AMD) and coal mine wastewater differed in acidity, metal loading, sulfate concentrations, suspended solids, and flow characteristics, requiring treatment approaches to be matched to site-specific water quality and operational constraints. This structured desk-based technical review synthesized 64 retained full-text studies using predefined screening criteria, study-level data extraction, and categorical evidence appraisal. Neutralization was found to be most defensible for acidity correction and Fe/Al precipitation but transferred contaminants to sludge and could leave Mn and sulfate unresolved. Passive systems provided potential for long-term treatment where sufficient land and retention time were available, although field evidence demonstrated sensitivity to hydraulic loading, seasonality, substrate condition, and maintenance. Adsorption was better supported as a capacity-limited polishing process than as a universal primary treatment, while electrocoagulation required reliable power, electrode management, and sludge handling and remained weakly represented by full-scale standalone coal-mine applications. The resulting matrix linked wastewater chemistry and mass loading with evidence maturity, land availability, energy and reagent requirements, maintenance needs, and residual-management constraints to screen single-stage or combined treatment trains. Membrane processes, biological sulfate reduction, and resource-recovery options were considered complementary treatment stages where their operational requirements matched the treatment objectives. Site characterization, pilot-scale verification, residual assessment, life-cycle cost analysis, and confirmation of applicable discharge requirements remained necessary before final treatment design.

Read Full-Text

Previous article

Next article

Additional Files

Supplementary material

References

Kefeni, K.K.; Msagati, T.A.M.; Mamba, B.B. (2017). Acid mine drainage: Prevention, treatment options, and resource recovery: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 151, 475–493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.03.082.

Skousen, J.G.; Ziemkiewicz, P.F.; McDonald, L.M. (2019). Acid mine drainage formation, control and treatment: Approaches and strategies. The Extractive Industries and Society, 6, 241–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2018.09.008.

Acharya, B.S.; Kharel, G. (2020). Acid mine drainage from coal mining in the United States: An overview. Journal of Hydrology, 588, 125061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.125061.

Tambara, A.; Fahruddin, F.; Patanjengi, B. (2025). Evaluation of the effects of acid mine drainage on soil characteristics and nutrient availability in agricultural land: A case study of Pesouha Village, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management, 12, 8273–8283. https://doi.org/10.15243/jdmlm.2025.124.8273.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2014). Reference guide to treatment technologies for mining-influenced water (EPA 542-R-14-001); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Washington, DC, USA.

Said, N.I. (2014). Teknologi pengolahan air asam tambang batubara: Alternatif pemilihan teknologi. Jurnal Air Indonesia, 7, 119–138. https://doi.org/10.29122/jai.v7i2.2411.

Ngerem, E.C.; Sanusi, I.A.; Dalu, T.; Suinyuy, T.N. (2026). Sustainable acid mine drainage wastewater remediation: A comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis. Environmental Science: Advances, 5, 681–710. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5VA00266D.

Otunola, B.O.; Mhangara, P. (2024). Global advancements in the management and treatment of acid mine drainage. Applied Water Science, 14, 204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-024-02259-3.

Mosai, A.K.; Ndlovu, G.; Tutu, H. (2024). Improving acid mine drainage treatment by combining treatment technologies: A review. Science of the Total Environment, 919, 170806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170806.

Wibowo, Y.G.; Safitri, H.; Khairurrijal; Taher, T.; Arham, L.O.; Jarwinda; Jasipto, A.; Danasla, M.A.; Fadhilah, R.; Army, E.K.; Hakim, H.Z.; Yuliansyah, A.T.; Petrus, H.T.B.M. (2024). Recent advances in acid mine drainage treatment through hybrid technology: Comprehensive review of scientific literature. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 21, 100945. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enmm.2024.100945.

Masindi, V.; Foteinis, S.; Renforth, P.; Ndiritu, J.; Maree, J.P.; Tekere, M.; Chatzisymeon, E. (2022). Challenges and avenues for acid mine drainage treatment, beneficiation, and valorisation in circular economy: A review. Ecological Engineering, 183, 106740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2022.106740.

Menteri Negara Lingkungan Hidup Republik Indonesia. (2003). Keputusan Menteri Negara Lingkungan Hidup Nomor 113 Tahun 2003 tentang Baku Mutu Air Limbah bagi Usaha dan/atau Kegiatan Pertambangan Batubara; Kementerian Negara Lingkungan Hidup: Jakarta, Indonesia.

Pemerintah Republik Indonesia. (2021). Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 22 Tahun 2021 tentang Penyelenggaraan Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup; Pemerintah Republik Indonesia: Jakarta, Indonesia.

Sujiman. (2024). Characteristics of open coal mine wastewater conditions in Tanah Bumbu District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. International Journal of Environmental, Sustainability and Social Science, 5, 696–702. https://doi.org/10.38142/ijesss.v5i3.1051.

Chai, Y.; Qin, P.; Zhang, J.; Wu, Z.; Li, T.; Xu, W.; Sun, H. (2020). Experimental study and application of dolomite aeration oxidation filter bed for the treatment of acid mine drainage. Minerals Engineering, 157, 106560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106560.

Kalombe, R.M.; Ojumu, T.V.; Katambwe, V.N.; Nzadi, M.; Bent, D.; Nieuwouldt, G.; Madzivire, G.; Kevern, J.; Petrik, L.F. (2020). Treatment of acid mine drainage with coal fly ash in a jet loop reactor pilot plant. Minerals Engineering, 159, 106611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106611.

Silva, D.; Weber, C.; Oliveira, C. (2021). Neutralization and uptake of pollutant cations from acid mine drainage (AMD) using limestones and zeolites in a pilot-scale passive treatment system. Minerals Engineering, 170, 107000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2021.107000.

Zhang, X.; Dong, S.; Wang, H.; Jin, P.; Wang, X.; Wang, Q.; Zhang, T. (2025). Fluoride ion removal from mine water via nucleation crystallization pelleting process. Coal Geology & Exploration, 53, 17. https://doi.org/10.12363/issn.1001-1986.24.10.0637.

Viola, V.O.; de Aquino, T.F.; Bonetti, B.; Canarin, L.; Cardoso, A.D.; Bleyer, G.C.; Shirmer, K.; Nascimento, M.; Soares, P.S.M.; Soares, C.; Padoin, N.; Riella, H.G. (2026). Treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) from the Santa Catarina Basin (Brazil) to retrieve rare earth. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 82, 109549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2026.109549.

Wu, Q.; Li, X.; Feng, Q.; Li, X. (2024). Source reduction and end treatment of acid mine drainage in closed coal mines of the Yudong River Basin. Water Science & Technology, 89, 470–483. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2024.002.

Kaur, G.; Couperthwaite, S.J.; Hatton-Jones, B.W.; Millar, G.J. (2018). Alternative neutralisation materials for acid mine drainage treatment. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 22, 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2018.01.004.

Seo, E.Y.; Cheong, Y.W.; Yim, G.J.; Min, K.W.; Geroni, J.N. (2017). Recovery of Fe, Al and Mn in acid coal mine drainage by sequential selective precipitation with control of pH. Catena, 148, 11–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2016.07.022.

Masindi, V.; Ndiritu, J.G.; Maree, J.P. (2018). Fractional and step-wise recovery of chemical species from acid mine drainage using calcined cryptocrystalline magnesite nano-sheets: An experimental and geochemical modelling approach. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 6, 1634–1650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2018.02.005.

Le, V.G.; Vo, T.D.H.; Nguyen, B.S.; Vu, C.T.; Shih, Y.J.; Huang, Y.H. (2020). Recovery of iron(II) and aluminum(III) from acid mine drainage by sequential selective precipitation and fluidized bed homogeneous crystallization (FBHC). Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 115, 135–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2020.10.007.

Sukati, B.H.; De Jager, P.C.; Annandale, J.G.; Tanner, P.D. (2018). The hazardous status of high density sludge from acid mine drainage neutralization. Sustainability, 10, 4185. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114185.

Song, Y.; Wang, H.; Yang, J.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, J.; Cao, Y. (2018). Evaluation and optimization of a new microbial enhancement plug-flow ditch system for the pretreatment of acid mine drainage: Semi-pilot test. RSC Advances, 8, 1039–1046. https://doi.org/10.1039/C7RA10765J.

Azteria, V.; Santoso, J. (2025). Evaluation of quicklime dose, stirring speed, and reaction time for coal mine acid water treatment. Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan, 23, 1299–1307. https://doi.org/10.14710/jil.23.5.1299-1307.

Narendra, B.; Nurhayati, E. (2025). Alternative treatment method for acid mine drainage by mixing with high-TSS coal mine wastewater: Case study of WMP X and Void C, Site S, PT.X, East Kalimantan. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1559, 012006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1559/1/012006.

Womal, A.M.; Nurkhamim. (2019). Studi penanganan air asam tambang dengan metode aktif (active treatment) pada PT. Bukit Asam Tbk (studi kasus KPL Saluran ALP IUP Tambang Air Laya). Prosiding Nasional Rekayasa Teknologi Industri dan Informasi XIV Tahun 2019 (ReTII), 70–77.

Sithole, N.T.; Ntuli, F.; Okonta, F. (2020). Fixed bed column studies for decontamination of acidic mineral effluent using porous fly ash-basic oxygen furnace slag based geopolymers. Minerals Engineering, 154, 106397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106397.

Mogashane, T.M.; Motlatle, A.M.; Mosoma, B.N.; Mokoena, L.; Tshilongo, J. (2026). Sustainable remediation of acid mine drainage using coal fly ash: A comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis. Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 25, 101047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceja.2026.101047.

Iakovleva, E.; Mäkilä, E.; Salonen, J.; Sitarz, M.; Wang, S.; Sillanpää, M. (2015). Acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment: Neutralization and toxic elements removal with unmodified and modified limestone. Ecological Engineering, 81, 30–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2015.04.046.

Wibowo, Y.G.; Tsabitah, N.; Pratiwi, C.P.; Nur'aini, H.; Irene, R.; Syahnur, M.T.; Al-Azizah, P.S.; Yudhoyono, A.; Wijaya, C.; Lululangi, B.R.G.; Cahyani, K.; Oktantiyo, D.S.; Maryani, A.T. (2024). Mini review of adsorption method using conventional materials for acid mine drainage treatment. Indonesian Mining Journal, 27, 19–37. https://doi.org/10.30556/imj.Vol27.No1.2024.1505.

Vitor, G.; Palma, T.C.; Vieira, B.; Lourenço, J.P.; Barros, R.J.; Costa, M.C. (2015). Start-up, adjustment and long-term performance of a two-stage bioremediation process, treating real acid mine drainage, coupled with biosynthesis of ZnS nanoparticles and ZnS/TiO2 nanocomposites. Minerals Engineering, 75, 85–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2014.12.003.

Lefticariu, L.; Walters, E.R.; Pugh, C.W.; Bender, K.S. (2015). Sulfate reducing bioreactor dependence on organic substrates for remediation of coal-generated acid mine drainage: Field experiments. Applied Geochemistry, 63, 70–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2015.08.002.

DiLoreto, Z.A.; Weber, P.A.; Weisener, C.G. (2016). Solid phase characterization and metal deportment in a mussel shell bioreactor for the treatment of AMD, Stockton Coal Mine, New Zealand. Applied Geochemistry, 67, 133–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2016.02.011.

Mulopo, J. (2016). Pilot scale assessment of the continuous biological sulphate removal from coal acid mine effluent using grass cutting as carbon and energy sources. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 11, 104–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2016.04.001.

Lefticariu, L.; Sutton, S.R.; Bender, K.S.; Lefticariu, M.; Pentrak, M.; Stucki, J.W. (2017). Impacts of detrital nano- and micro-scale particles (dNP) on contaminant dynamics in a coal mine AMD treatment system. Science of the Total Environment, 575, 941–955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.09.154.

Dev, S.; Roy, S.; Bhattacharya, J. (2017). Optimization of the operation of packed bed bioreactor to improve the sulfate and metal removal from acid mine drainage. Journal of Environmental Management, 200, 135–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.04.102.

Valkanas, M.M.; Trun, N.J. (2018). A seasonal study of a passive abandoned coalmine drainage remediation system reveals three distinct zones of contaminant levels and microbial communities. MicrobiologyOpen, 7, e585. https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.585.

Delgado, J.; Lozano, O.; Ayala, D.; Martín, D.; Barba-Brioso, C. (2025). Geochemistry and mineralogy of precipitates from passive treatment of acid mine drainage: Implications for future management strategies. Minerals, 15, 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010015.

Thongpitak, J.; Pekkoh, J.; Pumas, C. (2019). Remediation of manganese-contaminated coal-mine water using bio-sorption and bio-oxidation by the microalga Pediastrum duplex (AARLG060): A laboratory-scale feasibility study. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10, 2605. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02605.

Zhang, L.; Xu, Z.; Xiahou, M.; Gao, L.; Gao, Y.; Guo, J.; Li, C. (2025). Mechanisms of sulfate in situ removal using SRB-PRB driven by low-cost sustained-release carbon source in coal mine goafs: A dynamic column experiment study. Water, 17, 2684. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17182684.

Okeleji, O.A.; Ioannidou, V.G. (2025). Seasonal variation of iron removal in coal mine water discharge lagoons and constructed wetlands. Environmental Processes, 12, 29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-025-00768-0.

Khan, A.J.; Akhter, G.; Ge, Y.; Shahid, M.; Rahman, K.U. (2022). Development of artificial geochemical filter to treat acid mine drainage for safe disposal of mine water in Salt Range portion of Indus Basin—A lab to pilot scale study. Sustainability, 14, 7693. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137693.

Jurado, J.; Garcia-Vega, A.; Vasquez, Y.; Villegas-Plazas, M.; Roldan, F. (2026). Field-scale AMD remediation: Microbial community dynamics and functional insights in biochemical passive reactors. Microbial Ecology, 89, 8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-025-02628-8.

Sobolewski, A.B.; Riese, A.C.; Moore, T.J.; Brown, A.R. (2022). Passive treatment of circumneutral mine drainage from the St. Louis Mine Tunnel, Rico CO: Part 3—Horizontal wetlands treatment train pilot study. Mine Water and the Environment, 41, 886–905. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-022-00856-9.

Kleinmann, B.; Skousen, J.; Wildeman, T.; Hedin, B.; Nairn, B.; Gusek, J. (2021). The early development of passive treatment systems for mining-influenced water: A North American perspective. Mine Water and the Environment, 40, 818–830. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-021-00817-8.

Rochinha, I. da S.P.; de Souza, T.D.; Mendes, M.A. dos S.A.; Santiago, A. da F. (2026). Key structural and operational factors for the efficient removal of iron and manganese from mining effluents in constructed wetlands. Limnological Review, 26, 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev26020021.

Skousen, J.; Zipper, C.E.; Rose, A.; Ziemkiewicz, P.F.; Nairn, R.; McDonald, L.M.; Kleinmann, R.L. (2017). Review of passive systems for acid mine drainage treatment. Mine Water and the Environment, 36, 133–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-016-0417-1.

Peiravi, M.; Mote, S.R.; Mohanty, M.K.; Liu, J. (2017). Bioelectrochemical treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) from an abandoned coal mine under aerobic condition. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 333, 329–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.03.045.

Taufemback, W.F.; Hotza, D.; Recouvreux, D.O.S.; Calegari, P.C.; Pineda-Vásquez, T.G.; Antônio, R.V.; Malfatti, C.F.; Virmond, E.; Watzko, E.S. (2026). Performance prediction of microbial fuel cells for power generation and acid mine drainage treatment. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 220, 153564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153564.

Nariyan, E.; Wolkersdorfer, C.; Sillanpää, M. (2018). Sulfate removal from acid mine water from the deepest active European mine by precipitation and various electrocoagulation configurations. Journal of Environmental Management, 227, 162–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.08.095.

Quispe-Ramos, K.; Melgar-Izaguirre, E.; Rivera-Rodríguez, J.; Gutiérrez-Cuba, C.; Carrasco-Venegas, L.; Rodriguez-Aburto, C.; Ramos-Balcázar, Y.; Pilco-Nuñez, A. (2025). Energy-efficient coaxial electrocoagulation for integrated treatment of urban wastewater and acid mine drainage: A response-surface approach. Applied Sciences, 15, 10452. https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910452.

Bravo-Toledo, L.; Virú-Vásquez, P.; Rodriguez-Flores, R.; Sierra-Flores, L.; Flores-Salinas, J.; Tineo-Cordova, F.; Palomino-Vildoso, R.; Madueño-Sulca, C.; Rios-Varillas de Oscanoa, C.; Pilco-Nuñez, A. (2024). Sustainability prediction by evaluating the emergy of a co-treatment system for municipal wastewater and acidic water using intermittent electrocoagulation. Water, 16, 3081. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16213081.

Thiruvenkatachari, R.; Francis, M.; Cunnington, M.; Su, S. (2016). Application of integrated forward and reverse osmosis for coal mine wastewater desalination. Separation and Purification Technology, 163, 181–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2016.02.034.

Lopez, J.; Reig, M.; Gibert, O.; Valderrama, C.; Cortina, J.L. (2018). Evaluation of NF membranes as treatment technology of acid mine drainage: Metals and sulfate removal. Desalination, 440, 122–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2018.03.030.

Spellman, C.D., Jr.; Tasker, T.L.; Strosnider, W.H.J.; Goodwill, J.E. (2020). Abatement of circumneutral mine drainage by co-treatment with secondary municipal wastewater. Journal of Environmental Management, 271, 110982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110982.

Pino, L.; Beltran, E.; Schwarz, A.; Ruiz, M.C.; Borquez, R. (2020). Optimization of nanofiltration for treatment of acid mine drainage and copper recovery by solvent extraction. Hydrometallurgy, 195, 105361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2020.105361.

Masindi, V.; Foteinis, S.; Chatzisymeon, E. (2022). Co-treatment of acid mine drainage and municipal wastewater effluents: Emphasis on the fate and partitioning of chemical contaminants. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 421, 126677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126677.

Middleton, A.; Hedin, B.C.; Hsu-Kim, H. (2024). Recovery of rare earth elements from acid mine drainage with supported liquid membranes: Impacts of feedstock composition for extraction performance. Environmental Science & Technology, 58, 2998–3006. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c06445.

Miranda, M.M.; Bielicki, J.M.; Chun, S.; Cheng, C.M. (2022). Recovering rare earth elements from coal mine drainage using industrial byproducts: Environmental and economic consequences. Environmental Engineering Science, 39, 770–783. https://doi.org/10.1089/ees.2021.0378.

Favas, P.J.C.; Sarkar, S.K.; Rakshit, D.; Venkatachalam, P.; Prasad, M.N.V. (2016). Acid mine drainages from abandoned mines: Hydrochemistry, environmental impact, resource recovery, and prevention of pollution. In Environmental materials and waste: Resource recovery and pollution prevention; Prasad, M.N.V., Shih, K., Eds.; Academic Press: London, UK; pp. 413–462. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-803837-6.00017-2.

Baloyi, J.; Masindi, V.; Muedi, K.L.; Chatzisymeon, E.; Foteinis, S. (2026). Insights into the recovery of rare earth elements from acid mine drainage: Fostering circular economy in mine water management. Environmental Research, 305, 125116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2026.125116.

Baloyi, J.; Ramdhani, N.; Mbhele, R.; Ramutshatsha-Makhwedzha, D. (2023). Recent progress on acid mine drainage technological trends in South Africa: Prevention, treatment, and resource recovery. Water, 15, 3453. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15193453.

Larochelle, T.; Noble, A.; Ziemkiewicz, P.; Hoffman, D.; Constant, J. (2021). A fundamental economic assessment of recovering rare earth elements and critical minerals from acid mine drainage using a network sourcing strategy. Minerals, 11, 1298. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11111298.

Shingwenyana, R.; Shabalala, A.N.; Mbhele, R.; Masindi, V. (2021). Techno-economic analysis of the reclamation of drinking water and valuable minerals from acid mine drainage. Minerals, 11, 1352. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11121352.

Baloyi, J.; Ramdhani, N.; Mbhele, R.; Simate, G.S. (2024). Acid mine drainage from gold mining in South Africa: Remediation, reuse, and resource recovery. Mine Water and the Environment, 43, 418–430. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-024-00994-2.

Yuan, J.; Ding, Z.; Bi, Y.; Li, J.; Wen, S.; Bai, S. (2022). Resource utilization of acid mine drainage (AMD): A review. Water, 14, 2385. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14152385.

Kiswanto; Susanto, H.; Sudarno. (2020). Treatment of coal mine acid water using NF270 membrane as environmentally friendly technology. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9, 439–450. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i3.23310.

Read Full-Text

About this article

SUBMITTED: 03 August 2026
ACCEPTED: 23 September 2026
PUBLISHED: 25 September 2026
SUBMITTED to ACCEPTED: 51 days
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53623/idwm.v6i2.1322

Cite this article

Mukti, F., Marlina, R., Fadhilah, & Zakri , R. S. . (2026). Parameter-Based Selection of Acid Mine Drainage and Coal Mine Wastewater Treatment: Evidence and Operational Constraints. Industrial and Domestic Waste Management, 6(2), 420−439. https://doi.org/10.53623/idwm.v6i2.1322

Citations

Share this article