Research

Numerous technologies exist for treating AMD but they are often expensive and require new infrastructure for treatment. One option for treatment that has not been adequately explored is the possibility of treating AMD using infrastructure at existing conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). . . . . . . . .

Oil and gas development is often criticized due to the potential degradation of ground and surface water quality by the produced wastewaters. The most likely pathways for contamination of freshwater streams and rivers that could impact aquatic and human health are through accidental spill events, road spreading, or partially treated discharges from treatment. .

Accurate analysis of oil and gas wastewaters is important for the regulatory management of oil and gas development and identification of potential oil and gas contamination in the environment. However, these wastewaters are often challenging to analyze due to their high salinities and challenging fluid matrices. . . . . . . .

Nutrient runoff into surface waters from stormwater, agriculture, etc are common sources of water pollution. The treatment of acid mine drainage creates solid wastes (i.e., mine drainage residuals) that are capable of sorbing nutrients and reducing their mobility in the environment. When applied to agricultural soils, bio-retention filters, filter socks, etc, these mine drainage residuals could reduce nutrient loads into water resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

There are an estimated tens of thousands of illicit sewage water discharges (also known as "wild cats") into streams throughout the Appalachia. Similarly, due to decades of mining activity, Pennsylvania streams are also impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD). However, the legacy AMD contamination might actually help "mask" effects from "wild cat" discharges. . . . . . .