Evaluating substrates in the biological treatment of acid mine drainage

摘要

Acid mine drainage (AMD) contains high concentrations of sulphates and metals at low pH. Biological treatment of AMD via the sulphate reduction pathway seems promising. To make this treatment method economical, the availability of a suitable low cost organic substrate in the vicinity of the mine site is essential. The objectives of this study were: (1) to try and predict the degradability of three organic materials using the Forage Fibre Analysis (FFA) technique, BOD/COD ratio, protein and carbohydrate contents and C/N ratio, and (2) to evaluate the suitability of these organic materials to provide substrate for the sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) in the anaerobic treatment of AMD.