# Identification of Discharge Pathways of Acidic Wastewater from a Bauxite Mine (Lujiang Alum Mine, China) Before and After Artificial Disturbance

## TL;DR

This study identifies the main sources of acidic wastewater at a Chinese bauxite mine before and after remediation, using models and isotope tracing to guide pollution control.

## Contribution

A novel combination of groundwater modeling and isotope tracing to identify AMD sources in a disturbed mine environment.

## Key findings

- The primary source of AMD is the first branch of the +85 m adit, contributing over 50% across all seasons.
- Tianchi Lake contributes 20–30% to AMD, while other sources like seepage water have minor roles.
- Remediation activities result in approximately 329,000 m³ of acidic wastewater annually.

## Abstract

This study focuses on the Lujiang Alum Mine, analyzing sources of acid mine drainage (AMD) generated during remediation activities. A numerical model of groundwater flow was constructed to simulate and predict the causes of AMD under the influence of remediation measures. Concurrently, hydrogen and oxygen stable-isotope-tracing techniques were employed to elucidate the pathways through which AMD occurred and the mechanisms underlying water acidification. A fully mixed model was established to quantify the rates of contribution from different water sources. The results indicate that the annual amount of acidic wastewater produced under the influence of disturbance via remediation is approximately 3.29 × 105 m3. The fully mixed model based on environmental isotopes further revealed that the discharge of water from the first branch of the +85 m adit serves as the primary cause of AMD during the wet, normal, and dry seasons, with a contribution exceeding 50%. This is followed by recharge from Tianchi Lake, accounting for approximately 20–30%. In contrast, the contributions from seepage water from the roof of the +85 m adit and water from the Xiaofanshan Inclined Shaft are relatively minor. Based on these findings, we propose targeted strategies for source prevention and end-of-pipe treatment of AMD in the mining area. This work provides scientific support for the ongoing ecological restoration project at the Lujiang Alum Mine and offers valuable insights for AMD management in similar mines.