Management and Stimulation of High Metabolic Rates of Biomes to Effectively Remediate Mine Drainage

Abstract

Drainages from mining operations frequently contain elevated levels of contaminants of concern (CoC). Indigenous adapted bacterial communities are characterized and the ability to reduce many CoC is showcased in different treatment implementations. Each contaminated site consists of a distinct prokaryotic community that in turn requires a specific C:N:P balanced environment to contribute to site remediation. This balanced bioremedial strategy is managed both for in situor fix-filmed bioreactors, using electron donor selection and ratios, redox potential, and hydraulic retention times. These communities can effectively treat elevated levels of hexavalent chromium (10 mg/L), nitrate (110 mg/L), and sulfate (1 250 mg/L) in a one-pot balanced system. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2022-03-02-06 Full Text: PDF

Keywords

• bacterial diversity
• c:n:p stoichiometric balance
• in situ treatment
• fixed-film bioreactors
• redox ladder.