When looking at the Paste pH and Electrical Conductivity Tests, we are looking for an acidic environment and an environment with a high concentration of salt. Specifically, if our site sample has a pH of less than 4, then that indicates that the sample is acidic. If our site sample has an electrical conductivity greater than 2000 μSiemens per centimeters, then that indicates that the sample has a high level of soluble ionic constituents. If the sample is shown to be acidic and has a high level of soluble ionic constituents, then that may indicate that more extensive and intensive tests should be done to confirm the results for AMD generation potential.
For the acid base accounting test, the samples will be divided into categories (requires or does not require further determinative acid potential generation test work) based off the comparison of the …show more content…
This is a type of rapid leach testing that is similar to kinect tests, but they provide faster results. The net acid generation test is based on the principle that hydrogen peroxide accelerates the oxidation of iron sulfide minerals. The acid consequently produced dissolves neutralizing minerals presents, and the net result of the acid production and neutralization can be measured directly. This test is relatively fast (can provide an indication of sulfide reactivity and available neutralizing potential within 24 hours), does not require sulfur determinations, and requires the minimum of laboratory equipment (lower cost and less space). If the pH from this test is greater than 4, this classifies the sample as non-acid