Acid mine drainage (AMD) involves the formation and movement
of highly acidic waters rich in heavy metals. These acidic
waters are highly toxic and, when mixed with groundwaters, surface
waters and/or soils, may have harmful effects on humans,
animals and plants [1].
The Iberian pyrite belt (IPB) in the southwest of the Iberian
Peninsula is one of the most outstanding massive sulfide provinces
in the world, with about 1700 Mt of estimated original reserves
[2]. The IPB is also known as a world-class example of ancient
AMD pollution resulting in one of the most extreme and unique
environments on the Earth (e.g., Rio Tinto River).