Biological Metal Removal from Mine Drainage

Abstract

Mine drainage contaminated with heavy metals requires proper treatment to avoid pollution of surface waters. The aim of this work was to improve on known biological methods and to develop an economic, cost-effective pilot plant-scale process for removal of metal in mine drainage. Good results were obtained with a continuous-flow fluidized bed-type anaerobic reactor, with a working volume of 180L, in a continuous flow system using Desulfovibrio vulgaris as the principal sulfate-reducing bacteria.