Characterization and modeling approach for planning restoration strategies in a complex basin affected by acid mine drainage

The management of acid mine drainage (AMD) impacted catchments, such as the Odiel River basin, in southwestern Spain, prioritizes reclamation to meet water resources needs. Assessing water composition across its watercourses is needed to identify major AMD contributors and potentially guide remediation efforts. An equilibrium-based mixing model was developed to simulate AMD pollutant load reductions and estimate the impact of selective restorations on water quality in the Odiel River, particularly at the planned Alcolea Reservoir near its outlet. Sampling under varying flow conditions (average vs. high flow) showed a reduction in acidity transport (from 54.0 to 42.5 ton/day), attributed to greater neutralization effects during high flows. Over 90 % of metal-fluxes originate alone from the Riotinto (73.6 %), Tharsis (14.5 %), and San Telmo (5.00 %) mining districts, among many other mines. While geochemical model estimates fit well with observed data (R² = 0.99), some deviations in non-conservative constituents (i.e. pH, Fe and Al) were observed (R² = 0.73–0.99), likely due to uncertainties in solubility constants and redox/Fe speciation. After evaluating model reliability, two reduction scenarios (50 % and 100 %) were applied to the three primary sources. Full removal of contamination could subtantially improve impounded reservoir water quality, with pH values of 4.93 and 7.64, and a net acidity between 8.75 and 4.63 mg/L eq. CaCO₃ in both average and high flows, respectively. Such differences may be related to flow regime effects on water quality. However, a 50 % reduction is insufficient to meet drinking or irrigation standards, highlighting the need for full and appropriate reclamation. The model offers a management tool for decision-making in the restoration of the Odiel River basin and could be transferable to similar AMD-affected basins worldwide.