Alternative organic substrates in constructed wetlands: Preliminary results of batch examination
Bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) can be a major contributor to the generation of alkalinity in some acid mine drainage (AMD) passive treatment systems. BSR requires anaerobic conditions, adequate sulfate concentrations, pH >4, and sufficient labile organic carbon. Hundreds of compost wetlands containing organic substrates have been constructed to treat AMD over the past two decades. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) has been the most common substrate utilized, in part because of its ready availability in the Northern Appalachian coalfields. In areas where SMS is not readily accessible, such as the southeastern Oklahoma coal mining regions, alternative organic substrates are needed for the construction of effective passive treatment systems. This study examines the possibility of using several alternative organic substrates in AMD treatment wetlands for the generation of alkalinity. Alternative substrates were chosen due to their local availability and abundance. Water quality changes were monitored in microcosms containing six organic substrates (SMS, 100% horse manure, 100% cow manure, a horse manure/sawdust/straw mixture, an 80% cow manure/20% sawdust mixture by mass, and broiler house chicken litter) in bench-scale, batch experiments over a period of two months.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20026866
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 16th annual national meeting of the American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation, Scottsdale, AZ (US), 08/13/1999--08/19/1999; Other Information: PBD: [1999]; Related Information: In: Mining and reclamation for the next millennium. Proceedings of the 16th annual national meeting of the American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation, by Bengson, S.A.; Bland, D.M. [eds.], 745 pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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