Hydrogeological Investigation and Discharge Control of a Nutrient-Rich Acidic Solution from a Coastal Phosphogypsum Stack at Yeocheon, Korea

Lee, J. Y.; Kim, Y. C.; Yi, M. J.; Lee, K. K.

Hydrogeological Investigation and Discharge Control of a Nutrient-Rich Acidic Solution from a Coastal Phosphogypsum Stack at Yeocheon, Korea

2004

Lee, J. Y. | Kim, Y. C. | Yi, M. J. | Lee, K. K.

Nutrient-rich, highly acidic leachate draining from a coastalphosphogypsum storage site located at a phosphate fertilizer manufacturing company posed potentially harmful environmental effects to the coastal ecosystem. This study evaluated the chemical characteristics of the phosphogypsum and the hydrogeological characteristics of the surroundings. Hydraulic and chemical properties of the leachate draining from the site were also evaluated. The leachate is nutrient-rich and very acidic and discharges into the sea. The leachate and seawater are hydraulically connected through highly-permeable riprap placed at the toe of the stack. The chemical quality of the leachate and its drainage rate showed large variations depending on the location of the well, indicating heterogeneous hydraulic conditions. A vertical barrier system consisting of horizontal drainage wells and vertical leachate-collecting wells is suggested, in order to contain and collect the leachate. A back-up system of soil-bentonite cut-off walls is suggested to control leachate discharge to the sea.

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