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Numerical modelling of mine pollution to inform remediation decision-making in watersheds

Patrick Byrne·Patrizia Onnis·Robert L. Runkel·Ilaria Frau·Sarah F. L. Lynch·Aaron M. L. Brown·Iain Robertson·Paul Edwards
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Abstract

Prioritisation of mine pollution sources for remediation is a key challenge facing environmental managers. This paper presents a numerical modelling methodology to evaluate potential improvements in stream water quality from remediation of important mine pollution sources. High spatial resolution synoptic sampling data from a Welsh watershed were used to calibrate the OTIS solute transport model. Simulation of mine pollution remediation scenarios using OTIS revealed decreases in stream Zn concentrations between 9% and 62% under mean streamflow conditions. Remediation scenarios under low streamflow conditions were less effective (<1% to 17% decrease in Zn concentrations), due to diffuse and metal-rich groundwater inflows.

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Patrick Byrne, Patrizia Onnis, Robert L. Runkel, Ilaria Frau, Sarah F. L. Lynch, Aaron M. L. Brown, Iain Robertson, Paul Edwards. 2021. Numerical modelling of mine pollution to inform remediation decision-making in watersheds. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70229239

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