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Title: Biological treatment of acid mine drainage

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5767413

Research was conducted to evaluate methods for the biological treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD). Two general approaches were evaluated. The first evaluated treatment of impounded AMD through the addition of a mixed microbial community and carbon sources appropriate for their maintenance. To provide adequate treatment of AMD, a second approach was directed to evaluation of a biologically based unit process for AMD treatment. Using an anaerobic digestor which provided waste liquors high in organic acids, AMD was mixed with digestor effluent in an anaerobic reactor which maintained sulfate reduction. The utility of a pilot plant design incorporating anaerobic digestion, sulfate reduction, aeration, and final clarification and settling was demonstrated.

Research Organization:
Illinois Univ., Urbana (USA). Water Resources Center
OSTI ID:
5767413
Report Number(s):
PB-83-178111
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English