SOLID-STATE REDUCED SULFUR-COMPOUNDS - ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND BIO-REMEDIATION

This article reviews major risks caused by microbial transformations o f solid-state reduced sulfur compounds that are used or affected by an thropogenic activities. These materials, such as fossil fuels, ores, a naerobic sediments or solid waste, may undergo oxidative changes, resu lting in a solubilization of sulfur from the solid phase. The risks ar e generally associated with acidification of the environment and the s ubsequent mobilization of toxic metals. In the second part of the arti cle, current and perspective techniques applicable for the treatment o f such materials are presented. Both methods that prevent solubilizati on and processes of microbial removal of reduced sulfur are discussed. Special interest is paid to techniques operating on long time scales, applicable for the treatment of large areas or highly voluminous wast es.