Passive treatment of acid mine drainage with sulphate reducing bacteria
Abstract
This research was completed to assess passive treatment methods for mitigation of acid mine drainage (AMD) at a former mine site in British Columbia. The objectives were to determine if suitable passive treatment methods were available, and if concentrations of Cd, Zn, and other key contaminants in groundwater could be reduced to below regulatory standards during bench-scale testing. Biological treatment with sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) was selected, and bench-scale treatment testing was conducted using columns amended with low cost organic sources. Removal of more than 99% Cd, 93% Co, 96 % Cu, 86% Ni and 98% Zn was observed, resulting in metals concentrations in treated effluent consistently lower than applicable groundwater standards. Sustainability attributes of treatment with SRB and the potential to recover valuable metals are discussed, and recommendations for further testing and implementation are provided.
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Administrative supports that reduce teacher stress
Johnston, Shannon (Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 2013)Teacher stress and administrative supports that reduce that stress were investigated using a mixed methods exploratory approach in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. An online survey instrument was used to ... -
Reduced emissions from deforestation and degredation (REDD) and its potential role in Canada's climate change action plan
Rindt, Cornelia Antje (2012-02-29)Deforestation contributes approximately 20 percent of global annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Increased CO2 is thought to contribute to increased global temperatures. Proposals have been brought forward to use ... -
Administrative supports that reduce teacher stress
Johnston, Shannon (Vancouver Island University, 2012)Teacher stress and administrative supports that reduce that stress were investigated using a mixed methods exploratory approach in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. An online survey instrument was used to ...