N. Kuyucak, Microorganisms, biotechnology and acid rock drainage - emphasis on passive-biological control and treatment methods, MIN MET PR, 17(2), 2000, pp. 85-95
Acid rock drainage (ARD) resulting from the natural oxidation of sulfide mi
neral wastes has become a major concern to the mining industry, both during
the operational period and after mine closure. ARD is generally characteri
zed by high acidity and high concentrations of dissolved metals and sulfate
s. If the generation of acid cannot be prevented or controlled, it must be
treated to eliminate acidity and to reduce the concentration of heavy metal
s and suspended solids before release to the Environment. Microorganisms pl
ay an important catalytic role in the generation of ARD. Several prevention
, control and treatment technologies that ape based on microbiological acti
vities have been developed. The role of microorganisms and biotechnology, i
n the generation of ARD and their role in the methods used for prevention,
control and treatment are discussed in this paper Recently developed passiv
e and biological treatment processes that have been implemented at mine sit
es are emphasized ill this paper.. Benefits, limitations and design criteri
a for passive biological processes are also presented.