Ecotoxicology of Highly Treated Mine Waters: Lessons from an Australian Mine

摘要: Mining operations commonly treat mine water prior to discharging it the environment. Results of biological toxicity tests and Toxicity Identification Evaluations have shown that environmental risks can still exist for these highly treated waters. We present examples waters were using high density sludge–microfiltration–reverse osmosis brine concentration processes. While such treatment substantially reduces primary water, three key factors could affect consequences may arise or persist: (1) residual contaminants be at toxic concentrations, (2) bioavailability increase, (3) nutrient major ion deficient. Appropriate strategies management should consider other quality will differ from those untreated water.