Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Stimulation of sulfate-reducing bacteria in lake water from a former open-pit mine through addition of organic wastes

Journal Article · · Water Environment Research

A method to improve water quality in a lake occupying a former open-pit mine was evaluated in a laboratory-scale study. Untreated pit lake water contained high levels of sulfate, iron, and arsenic and was mildly acidic ({approximately} pH 6). Varying amounts of two locally available organic waste products were added to pit water and maintained in microcosms under anoxic conditions. In selected microcosms, populations of sulfate-reducing bacteria increased with time; sulfide was generated by sulfate reduction; sulfate, iron, and arsenic concentrations approached zero; and pH approached neutrality. Best results were obtained with intermediate amounts of waste potato skin.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
346821
Journal Information:
Water Environment Research, Journal Name: Water Environment Research Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 71; ISSN WAERED; ISSN 1061-4303
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Processes at the sediment water interface after addition of organic matter and lime to an acid mine pit lake mesocosm
Journal Article · Wed Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 2007 · Environmental Science and Technology · OSTI ID:20885661

Neutralization of an acidic surface mine lake using organic additives. Final research report, 1 July 1991-1 October 1993
Technical Report · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993 · OSTI ID:56419

pH gradient-induced heterogeneity of Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms in coal mining-associated lake sediments
Journal Article · Thu Feb 14 23:00:00 EST 2008 · Applied and Environmental Microbiology · OSTI ID:21017249