Development of a bioremediation process for mining wastewaters

摘要

Various bacterial and fungal strains capable of degrading cyanides or having a high potential for adsorbing heavy metals were isolated from water and sediment samples from a mining wastewater deposit in Baia Mare. Some of the isolates were characterised and identified. For those strains displaying the most rapid degradation or the greatest adsorption capacity, important parameters were analysed in synthetic media and in process waters from the Baia Mare pond and the Sasar cyanidation plant. Optimal pH and temperature levels, maximum tolerable cyanide and metal concentrations, as well as possible additional substances required, such as hydrocarbon sources or phosphate were determined. Disruptive factors inhibiting the activity of the organisms and making the complex analysis of the cyanides more difficult were found. With a view towards the development of a pilot plant the immobilization of microorganisms was tested on different support materials.