An Abandoned Indiana Coal Mine Spoil Bank Contains Chunks of Pyrite

Multiple Choice

An abandoned Indiana coal mine spoil bank contains chunks of pyrite minerals. Under constant erosion and weathering, the pyrites leech large amounts of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) . The spoil banks are also mixed with large quantities of basic limestone and clay carbonates. What should occur over time?

A) The pH level will drop until all acid has washed out.
B) The pH level will remain at 7.0 because of constant washing with rain.
C) The pH level will remain at 7.0 because all acid will be immediately neutralized by bases.
D) The pH levels will be spotty and vary over time, first more acidic but drifting back toward 7.0.
E) Bases always dominate over acids.