Bioremediation Of Mining Products

Bioremediation of Mining Products

Toxic solutions from acid mine drainage are a problem in the mining operation of metals and coal extraction. This phenomena is known as AMD (acid mine drainage) or ARD (acid rock drainage). It happens when sulfuric acid is formed during the mining processing of sulfide minerals exposed to air, water, and the activity of microorganisms.

That is a natural occurring process; however the mining activity accelerates it and increases the formation of acid from the minerals. When out of control the AMD can lead to the dissolution of toxic elements to water streams and soil (i.e. lead, zinc, copper, arsenic, selenium, mercury and cadmium).

The implementation of controlled biotechnological solutions on these sites can help to avoid the water and soil contamination and became a business opportunity.