Microbial Growth and Action: Implications for Passive Bioremediation of Acid Mine Drainage

Abstract

Due to the variable environmental nature of mine water, several species of bacteria are important in the generation of acid mine drainage (AMD) and in bioremediation treatment technology. Enzymatic metal transport and transformation allow bacteria to survive in high-metal environments and to oxidize, reduce, and exude metals. For example, the enzymes Cr (VI) reductase and cytochrome-c3 hydrogenase allow Pseudomonas sp. to reduce Cr (VI) to less toxic Cr (III). Much more toxic organomercuric compounds are transformed by Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli, using the enzymes organomercurial lyase and mercuric reductase. The role of bacteria in the AMD environment is not yet fully understood and consequently researchers should pay attention in this field.

Hydrochemical Characteristics of Open-Pit Groundwater from a Closed Metalliferous Mine in O'kiep, Namaqualand Region, South Africa

“…Hydrochemical characteristics of the OPGW are the main factors determining its suitability for numerous uses [33]. The physico-chemical parameters of the chemical components of the water from the OPGW were compared to those listed in the South African National Standards (SANS 241) and the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards.…”

Keragaan Nilai DO, BOD dan COD di Danau Bekas Tambang Batubara Studi Kasus pada Danau Sangatta North PT. KPC di Kalimatan Timur

“…Dari sisi limnologi, danau buatan ini memiliki 2 sisi peluang yang harus diketahui oleh pengelola danau. Sisi pertama adalah akumulasi air limbah dari aktivitas penambangan dan rehabilitasi lahan pasca tambang akan mengakibatkan terjadinya perubahan struktur batuan yang diikuti dengan perubahan kualitas fisika dan kimia tanah serta air di sekitarnya (4) . Hal ini terjadi akibat adanya pelarutan batuan dan proses oksidasi dari material sisa penambangan yang akan menghasilkan air asam tambang yang mengandung bahan-bahan yang tidak diinginkan dan berbahaya bagi lingkungan (5) .…”

“…Nilai pH pada badan air dapat menekan kemampuan reproduksi organisme tententu dan dapat menyebabkan subtansi beracun menjadi lebih siap diambil tanaman dan hewan air. Nilai pH yang rendah (4, dalam waktu yang lama akan menyebabkan beberapa hal negatif pada perairan antara lain penurunan nilai keanekaragaman dan komposisi plankton, perifiton dan bentos semakin besar, penurunan kelimpahan total biomassa dan produktivitas zooplankton dan benthos semakin besar dan terjadi penghambatan proses nitrifikasi (24) .…”

Eukaryotes in acidic mine drainage environments: potential applications in bioremediation

“…The biogeochemical processes with which micro-organisms are associated, and which oxidise minerals resulting in AMD, deplete dissolved oxygen in the water. This renders the habitat unsuitable for other forms of life (Bhattacharya et al 2006). Furthermore, iron (III) hydroxide precipitation results in a yellow-orange solid precipitate, colloquially known as yellow boy.…”