Analisis Kinerja Penetralan Air Asam Tambang pada Saluran Terbuka di PT Agincourtresources, Tapanuli Selatan

Abstract

This study focuses on addressing Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), an environmental issue stemming from mineral and metal mining activities. AMD is characterized by its acidic nature with a low pH (<5) and high metal solubility. The aim is to develop an open channel model at PT Agincourt Resource s to neutralize pH and passively reduce the concentrations of Fe and Mn metals. The research method involves designing and testing 8 trial channels using various materials such as limestone, zeolite, quartz sand, eggshells, lime powder, and organic compost . Testing was conducted with 5 and 20 liter volumes of AMD. Statistical analysis reveals significant differences, with the 7th channel proving most effective in neutralizing AMD. This channel increased the pH of AMD from 2.51 to 6.8 in a 5 liter volume, wi th Fe metal concentration <0.1 mg/L (99.99% efficiency) and Mn 0.57 mg/L (87.02% efficiency). In a 20 liter volume, pH increased to 7.2 with Fe concentration <0.1 mg/L (99.99% efficiency) and Mn 1.85 mg/L (57.86% efficiency). The research demonstrates that the material combination in the trial channels significantly impacts pH and heavy metal concentrations in AMD while preventing armoring phenomena.