Integrated Acid Mine Drainage Treatment with Post-Mining Reclamation via Swampy Forest System

Coal mines utilizing the open pit method often generate acid mine drainage (AMD). Conventional AMD treatment methods typically include active treatment, which is costly due to chemical agents, and passive treatments, which have limited capacity and duration. This study introduces the swampy forest system, a highly cost-effective alternative that significantly improves conventional methods. This system involves three primary materials—organic matter, grass, and trees—to treat AMD before its release into public water bodies and contribute to reclamation. Trees planted at each pond for replanting efforts further promote the efforts for environmental restoration. The pilot project used four serially installed ponds, each with a capacity of 900 m³ of AMD, a flow rate of 1000 m³ day⁻¹, and a retention time of 140 h. The AMD stored in the post-mining lake was channeled to the swampy forest system through the inlet and then flowed into each pond for natural treatment. The observed water at both inlet and outlet were pH, TSS, Fe, Mn, Cd, BOD, and COD. The swampy forest system improved the wastewater quality and met the regulatory standards for release into public water bodies. It demonstrates its effectiveness and substantial compliance with environmental regulations, providing a sustainable solution to the AMD issue. The integration process of post-mining areas with a swampy forest system has offered a solution to AMD treatment and reclamation.