Occurrence and activity of iron- and sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms in alkaline coal strip mine spoils

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Microb. Ecol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010477· OSTI ID:6479422

Olson, G J; McFeters, G A; Temple, K L

Spoils samples collected from a coal strip mine in southeastern Montana were examined for populations and activities of iron-and sulphur-oxidizing bacteria. Spoils examined were of three types: (a) acidic pyrite-rich waste coal; (b) oxidation halo material; and (c) alkaline material, which was the most widespread type. Bacterial numbers, sulphur oxidation and /SUP/1/SUP/4CO/SUB/2 uptake activity declined to low levels in the summer when spoils were dry. Even in wetter spring months pyritic spoils contained relatively low numbers of acidophilic iron- and sulphur-oxidizing bacteria, probably indicative of water stress since the same spoils incubated with excess water or dilute mineral salts showed considerably greater bacterial numbers and activity. Certain wells in coal and spoils aquifers contained substantial populations of iron-oxidizing acidophilic bacteria. However, these wells were always of alkaline or neutral pH, indicating that bacterial pyrite oxidation occurred where groundwaters contacted either replaced spoils of coal that contained pyrite or other metal sulphides. Bacterial activity may contribute to trace metal and sulphate leaching in the area. (27 refs.)

• OSTI ID: 6479422
• Journal Information: Microb. Ecol.; (United States), Journal Name: Microb. Ecol.; (United States) Vol. 7:1; ISSN MCBEB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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