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What is acid rock drainage?

What is acid rock drainage?. Image: G. Plumlee, USGS. Metals-7-1. Rocks that contain useful metals commonly contain sulfide minerals - minerals that combine metal with sulfur. Image: Travis Hudson. Sulfide minerals in a rock sample. Metals-7-2.

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What is acid rock drainage?

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  1. What is acid rock drainage? Image: G. Plumlee, USGS Metals-7-1

  2. Rocks that contain useful metals commonly contain sulfide minerals - minerals that combine metal with sulfur. Image: Travis Hudson Sulfide minerals in a rock sample Metals-7-2

  3. The most common sulfide mineral is pyrite - or “Fool’s Gold” - a combination of iron and sulfur. Image: R. Busch Metals-7-3

  4. Pyrite occurs widely in rocks including disseminations through this entire mountain. Image: G. Plumlee, USGS Metals-7-4

  5. When pyrite comes in contact with oxygen in air or water it “oxidizes” or turns into rusty iron oxides and sulfuric acid. Certain bacteria make this process go faster. Oxygen Sulfuric Acid Pyrite Bacteria Images: USGS, DeAtley Design Metals-7-5

  6. The sulfuric acid produced by oxidation of pyrite makes nearby soil and water acidic - this is acid rock drainage. Acid rock drainage can harm habitat. Image: Travis Hudson Metals-7-6

  7. Acid rock drainage occurs naturally and is an environmental concern where sulfide minerals are mined. There are several ways to control or prevent acid rock drainage at mines. Image: Travis Hudson Metals-7-7

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