From Mine Tailings to Electricity using Ecological Function: Evaluation of Increase in Current Density by Increasing the Oxidation Rate of Pyrite using Iron Oxidizing Bacteria

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The research evaluates the possibility of generating electricity using pyrite containing mine tailings, which are the major cause of acid mine drainage (AMD), by applying iron oxidizing bacteria (in this case, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) and chemical fuel cell technology. The changes in the aqueous Fe 2+ concentration, which can represent an ionized form of pyrite, with an initial concentration of 9,000 mg/L were investigated during the 20 d growth period. Both the Fe 2+ and total iron (i.e., total Fe 2+ )concentrations with or without A. ferrooxidans were observed. The Fe 2+ concentration decreased to about 6,000 mg/L, in the abiotic condition, while it decreased to about 400 mg/L in the biotic condition. The results showed that the increased Fe 2+ oxidation in the presence of A. ferrooxidans (i.e., catalytic ability of A. ferrooxidans) can be applied to electricity generation using pyrite containing mine tailings. In the co-presence of A. ferrooxidans and pyrite containing mine tailings, Fe 2+ oxidation and hence electron production increases, which, in turn, improves current density. This study can be applied to utilize ecological functions of indigenous bacteria in mine areas to enhance electricity generation efficiency. KEYWORDS:

Effect of Pyrite and Indigenous Bacteria on Electricity Generation Using Mine Tailings

“…의 산화반응은 (식 (2)) Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans 와 같은 철산화균에 의해 촉진될 수 있다 (Silverman and Lundgren 1958, Pesic and Oliver 1989, Leduc and Ferroni 1994, Baker and Banfield 2003, Gleisner et al 2006, Ju et al 2014. 단일균주에 의한 황철석 의 산화보다 황을 산화시키는 박테리아가 포함된 혼 합균주의 공생작용으로 인한 황철석의 산화가 더 촉 진될 수 있다는 것이 확인되었다 (Bacelar-Nicolau and Johnson 1999).…”

“…미생물연료전지는 화학전지에 미생물의 생물학적 반응을 적용하여 전기를 생산하는 방법으로, 음극부 의 산화반응에서 생성된 전자가 양극부의 전극으로 이동하여 양극부에서 환원반응을 일으킨다 (Logan 2008 (Silverman and Lundgren 1958, Pesic and Oliver 1989, Leduc and Ferroni 1994, Baker and Banfield 2003, Gleisner et al 2006, Ju et al 2014.…”

Determining the reuse of metal mine wastes based on leaching test and human health risk assessment

“…These mine wastes are prone to metal leaching, which may often lead to acid mine drainage (AMD) generation, and this can cause environmental contamination near mining sites [1,2]. The leachate generated from mine wastes can have impacts on surrounding environments and nearby residents due to their low pH and/or harmful heavy metal contents [3,4]. Conventional treatment methods often involve post-treatment of the generated AMD from mine wastes or the contaminated water and/or soil by AMD [5].…”