PARENT SESSION
PW5 - Microbial Treatment and Biorecovery of Acid Mine Drainage
Wednesday, 20 November 2002
8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Exhibit Hall
(P769) On-Site Remediation of Metals from Acid Mine Drainage.
Ibeanusi, Victor*,1, Archibold, Errol1, Harrish, Adrienne1, 1 Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, USA
ABSTRACT- A demonstration research project on the treatment and removal of metals from an acid mine drainage (AMD), and the feasibility of increasing the pH of the AMD from acidic (<3.5) to elevated pH conditions was conducted at the Cane Creek, Coal Valley Site, in the state of Alabama.The oxidation of pyrite from the AMD results in run off with considerable acidity and high concentrations of dissolved toxic metals. The dissolved metals corrode the adjoining ecosystem and pollute the groundwater.The purpose of this demonstration project was to investigate the feasibility of using a patented on-site bioremediation process for the purpose of detoxifying and removing the dissolved metals in the AMD. The results form the bioremediation process indicated that the pH of the AMD was elevated from <3.52 to 7.59 in a batch treatment. In the continuous flow treatment, the pH was increased to 6.27. Similarly, the redox of the AMD was changed from a highly oxidizing condition (190mV) to a reduced state of -26mV. AS a result of the changed chemical environment, the dissolved metal ions in the acid mine drainage were precipitated and sequestered.The bioremediation process described here provided a cost effective mechanism for treating metals in aquatic systems.
Key words: Acid Mine Drainage, Bioremediation, Redox, pH