Microcosm-based Study of the Attenuation of an Acid Mine Drainage-Impacted Site through Biological Sulfate and Iron Reduction

Authors: Becerra, C. A.¹; Lopez-Luna, E. L.²; Ergas, S. J.²; Nusslein, K.¹

Source: Geomicrobiology Journal, Volume 26, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 9-20(12)

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Abstract:

Acid mine drainage is a widespread environmental problem and is characterized by elevated proton, sulfate, and dissolved iron concentrations. To understand the driving forces behind the attenuation of AMD, we compared microcosms using sediment and groundwater collected at Davis Mine, Massachusetts, a site where both generation and attenuation of AMD occur. A shift in key geochemical parameters over time was due to the natural microbial population, which was supported by detailed molecular biology results. The attenuation of AMD was stimulated through amendment with glycerol, with nitrogen and phosphorous, or with algae extract, but not by wood chips, suggesting the addition of different organic electron donors as a bioremediation strategy.

Keywords: acid mine drainage; natural attenuation; microcosms; acidophilic; sulfate reduction; iron reduction

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01490450802599250

Affiliations: 1: Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA 2: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA

Publication date: 2009-01-01

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