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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Natalie Kruse, Professor Paul Younger
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Accurate modeling of changing geochemistry in mine water can be an important tool in post-mining site management. The Pollutant Sources and Sinks in Underground Mines (POSSUM) model and Pollutant Loadings Above Average Pyrite Influenced Geochemistry POSSUM (PLAYING POSSUM) model were developed using object-oriented programming techniques to simulate changing geochemistry in abandoned underground mines over time. The conceptual model was created to avoid significant simplifying assumptions that decrease the accuracy and defensibility of model solutions. POSSUM and PLAYING POSSUM solve for changes in flow rate and depth of flow using a finite difference hydrodynamics model then, subsequently, solve for geochemical changes at distinct points along the flow path. Geochemical changes are modeled based on a suite of 28 kinetically controlled mineral weathering reactions. Additional geochemical transformations due to reversible sorption, dissolution and precipitation of acid generating salts and mineral precipitation are also simulated using simplified expressions. Contaminant transport is simulated using a novel application of the Random-Walk method. By simulating hydrogeochemical changes with a physically and thermodynamically controlled model, the 'state of the art' in post-mining management can be advanced. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Kruse NA, Younger PL
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Applied Geochemistry
Year: 2009
Volume: 24
Issue: 7
Pages: 1301-1311
ISSN (print): 0883-2927
ISSN (electronic): 1872-9134
Publisher: Pergamon
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2009.04.003
DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2009.04.003
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