Use of microalgae of Chlorophyta division in the biological treatment of acid drains of coal mines

Abstract

The environmental impact caused by coal mining wastewater is significant due to the pollution load, usually represented in high concentrations of suspended solids, metals (mainly iron) and other trace elements and low pH values. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a biological treatment system using microalgae belonging to the Chlorophyta division, for the removal of contaminants from the wastewater from a mine owned by Coal North Energy S.A.S. At the end of treatment, it was possible to remove up to 66.67% of total iron, 46.67% for chloride and 95.1% for Chemical Oxigen Demand.

Keywords

• Aguas residuales
• Biomasa
• Metales pesados
• DQO
• Constantes cinéticas