Acid Mine Drainage Info

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Description

Students explore the chemistry behind the causes and effects of acid mine drainage on a modeled river. In this activity, students use the virtual lab to examine the pH dependant solubility of Iron(III) hydroxide, a yellow-orange solid colloquially known as yellow boy. As acid mine drainage is mixed with fresh water, the pH rises to above 3 and previously soluble Iron(III) ions deposit as Iron(III) hydroxide on stream and river beds.