Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) treatment by Sulphate Reducing Bacteria

摘要

This study was carried out on the AMD been emitted from the tailings dam at Carnoules (Gard, France), an old polymetallic mine (Zn, Pb). The tailing dam is located at the end of a valley where the tributary Reigous originates. Consequently, the water source is continuously polluted with AMD producing acidification and high sulphate and metal solubilization in the tributary Reigous. Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn and As ions concentrations were shown to fluctuate throughout the year. Batch tests were conducted to determine if biogenic H_2S could be used to eliminate soluble As and metals ions as insoluble sulphides. Dynamic treatment in pilot scale units using cheap, reliable mineral and organic materials was investigated. Promissing removal levels, especially of arsenic, were achieved.