LETTERS Mine waters Dear Sir: The formation of the International Mine Water Association (IMWA) has been established with the following main objectives: 1. to improve exploitation of mineral deposits consistent with the desirable standards of safety against water hazards 2. to increase protection of the environment against the impact of mine drainage and related activities 3. to improve the utilization of mine waters 4. to improve technology and economy of mine drainage control operations 5. to create a forum for international exchange of information concerning the latest developments in the field of mine water problems. The pressing needs of persons involved with mine water problems encouraged us to establish an international authoritative body, to provide individuals and institutions with a better opportunity to benefit from worldwide experiences in this field. Dr. Rafael Fernlndez-Rubio Professor of Hydrogeology and
International Mine Water Association Secretary Department of Hydrogeology University of Granada Apdo. de Correos 556 Granada, Spain
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P.O.Box 2980
College Station, Texas 77840 (713) 693-1711
CIRCLE 18 ON READER SERVICE CARD
608
Environmental Science & Technology
Activated carbon use Dear Sir: I have read the article on activated carbon adsorption (ES& T , May 1981, p. 502) and appreciate the opportunity to make the following observations. The need for “predictive generalizations” of the adsorption process may be needed to prove broad applicability in the legislative process, but this need is only superficial when applying adsorption to purification problems. Hundreds of adsorption facilities throughout the world have been installed as a result of rather simple technical evaluation techniques followed by a comparison of the results with real alternatives. Until the advent of RCRA, the alternative of disposal of toxic wastes by landfill has been lawful and relatively cheap compared to destruction techniques. Processes such as adsorption and oxidation, which provide ultimate destruction, therefore have been clar-
