Evaluation of toxicity of acid coal mine drainage using physic-chemical parameters and bioassays

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of acid coal mine drainage by using physico-chemical parameters and bioassays. The results indicate that the drainage showed low pH and expressive concentrations of the metals aluminum, iron, manganese and sulfate. The drainage caused high acute toxicity in Artemia sp. as well as significant phytotoxicity and genotoxicity in  Allium cepa L. In conclusion, the drainage has toxic potential, possibly due to the presence of contaminants in solution.