Abstract: The aim of this study was to operate an upflow anaerobic packed bed reactor (UAPB) containing sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) under acidic conditions similar to those found in acid mine drainage (AMD). The UAPB was filled with sand and operated under continuous flow at progressively lower pH and was shown to be capable of supporting sulfate reduction at pH values of 6.0, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0 and 3.5 in a synthetic medium containing 53.5 mmol l(-1) lactate. Sulfate reduction rates of 553-1052 mmol m(-3) d(-1) were obtained when the influent solution pH was progressively lowered from pH 6.0 to 4.0, under an optimal flow rate of 2.61 ml min(-1). When the influent pH was further lowered to pH 3.5, sulfate reduction was substantially reduced with only about 1% sulfate removed at a rate of 3.35 mmol m(-3) d(-1) after 20 days of operation. However, viable SRB were recovered from the column, indicating that the SRB population was capable of surviving and metabolizing at low levels even at pH 3.5 conditions for at least 20 days. The changes in conductivity in the SRB column did not always occur with changes in pH and redox potential, suggesting that conductivity measurements may be more sensitive to SRB activity and could be used as an additional tool for monitoring SRB activity. The bioreactor containing SRB was able to reduce sulfate and generate alkalinity even when challenged with influent as low as pH 3.5, indicating that such treatment systems have potential for bioremediating highly acidic, sulfate contaminated waste waters. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract: Ironstone mine spoil leaves a legacy of land contamination and diffuse water pollution with acidic, metal-rich drainage. Reclamation for woodland may exacerbate water pollution due to spoil amendment and disturbance. Constructed wetland systems (CWS) are increasingly used for treating acid mine drainage but their performance is poorly understood. A combined approach was used to reclaim the Benhar ironstone spoil heap in Central Scotland. Trees have been planted in spoil treated with dried pelleted sewage sludge, limestone and peat. Spoil drainage (pH 2.7, 247 mg l-1 total Fe) passes through a CWS. Spoil throughflow, surface water chemistry and CWS performance were monitored for 12 months after reclamation. Acidity, Fe, Mn and Al concentrations declined in throughflow after reclamation, although this effect was not uniform. Soluble reactive P has been mobilised from the sewage sludge in residual areas of spoil acidity, but losses of other nutrients were short-lived. The CWS removes on average 33 % and 20-40 % of acidity and metal inputs but removal rates decrease in winter. Spoil reclamation has been successful in enabling vegetation establishment but has also increased Fe and Mn concentrations in surface drainage from the site, even after passage through the CWS.

Abstract: Acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned underground mines significantly impairs water quality in the Tones Branch watershed in McCreary Co., Kentucky, USA. A 1022-m(2) surface-flow wetland was constructed in 1989 to reduce the I AMD effects, however, the system failed after six months due to insufficient utilization of the treatment area, inadequate alkalinity production and metal overloading. In an attempt to improve treatment efficiencies, a renovation project was designed incorporating two anoxic limestone drains (ALDs) and a series of anaerobic subsurface drains that promote vertical now or mine water through a successive alkalinity producing system (SAPS) of limestone beds overlain by organic compost. Analytical results from the 19-month post-renovation period are very encouraging. Mean iron concentrations have decreased from 787 to 39 mg l(-1), pH increased from 3.38 to 6.46 and acidity has been reduced from 2244 to 199 mg l(-1) (CaCO3 equivalent). Mass removal rates averaged 98% for Al, 95% for Fe, 94% for acidity, 55% for sulfate and 49% for Mn during the study period. The results indicate increased alkalinity production from limestone dissolution and longer residence time have contributed to sufficient buffering and metal retention. The combination of ALDs and SAPS technologies used in the renovation and the sequence in which they were implemented within the wetland system proved to be an adequate and very promising design for the treatment of this and other sources of high metal load AMD.