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Microbial sulfate reduction and its potential utility as an acid mine water pollution abatement procedure

Journal Article · · Appl. Microbiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5469147

The presence of high concentrations of sulfate, iron, and hydrogen (acid) ions in drainage from coal mines and other areas containing waste pyritic materials is a serious water pollution problem. Sulfate can be removed from solution by microbial reduction to sulfide and subsequent precipitation as FeS. A mixed culture of microorganisms degraded wood dust cellulose, and the degradation products served as carbon and energy sources for sulfate-reducing bacteria. Metabolism of carbon compounds resulted in a net pH increase in the system. Oxidation-reduction potential and temperature and carbon supplements were studied in an effort to accelerate the sulfate reduction process, with the ultimate objective of utilizing the process as a pollution abatement procedure.

OSTI ID:
5469147
Journal Information:
Appl. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 17:2; ISSN APMBA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English