An Evaluation of a Peat-Wood Chip-Microflora Admixture to Act as an Ameliorant for Acid Mine Drainage

Abstract

Abstract:Peat was investigated as a potential source of indigenous microflora capable of: (!) providing a suitable carbon source for sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) through the anaerobic degradation of black spruce (Picea mariana) and trembling aspen (Popu!us tremu!oides) wood chips, (2) complexing metals to form relatively insoluble sulphide minerals through the reduction of sulfate to sulphide, and (3) surviving exposures to extremely acidic conditions. Enumeration studies, combined with measurements of dissolved organic carbon, indicated sufficient available carbon was generated by anaerobic degradation of cellulose to support a viable population of SRB. The bacterial systems showed signs of recovery within 2 to 3 weeks following acidification to pH 3 .0. The reestablishment of active microbial systems was indicated by the formation of a black iron sulphide precipitate.Additional Key Words: acid mine drainage, sulphate reducing bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria, peat, wood waste.