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Sulfate-Reducing Bioreactors For The Treatment Of Acid Mine Drainage
Citation:
Venot, C., L. Figueroa, M. HOLMES, AND D. J. REISMAN. Sulfate-Reducing Bioreactors For The Treatment Of Acid Mine Drainage. Presented at 2008 EPA Science Forum, Washington, DC, May 20 - 22, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
To compare different substrates used in biochemical reactors field test cells for the removal of metals from the mine influenced water.
Description:
Mine influenced water (MIW) affects a large portion of mountainous surface water bodies in the western United States as well as elsewhere. In this study, the purpose of this applied research is to compare different substrates used in biochemical reactors (BCRs) field test cells for the removal of metals from the MIW. Passive BCRs are a promising new technology for treating MIW where there is no available external energy such as oil and gas. In 2006, a system of 3 pairs of pilot-scale BCRs, two of which contain solid organic substrate and one with a liquid-containing substrate, were started to treat approximately one gallon per minute flow of MIW from the National Tunnel in BlackHawk, Colorado. Monitoring and evaluation has taken place between 2006 and 2008, and the data shows different treatment abilities and removal efficiencies for each type of substrate. All BCRs were able to raise the MIW to circum-neutral values, and all removed greater than 84% of Cu, Fe, and zinc. The poster presents the set-up and results of this applied research.