Neutradesulfating treatment process for acid mine drainage

A process has been developed for treatment and removal of major pollutants in surface streams of Appalachia caused by acid mine drainage. The raw water is neutralized with sodium bicarbonate to precipitate iron and aluminum, followed by cation exchange to remove sulfate. Barium is eluted from the exchange resin and reacts with sulfate in the water to form a precipitate. Barium is recovered from the precipitate and is processed to recharge the exchange resin. The water is further treated to remove hydrogen sulfide by conversion to sulfur as a saleable byproduct. The process minimizes the cost of sludge and waste disposal while offering a product water meeting the highest interstate water quality standards. Treatment costs are given.