High-density biomass as a substrate for stimulating biosulfidogenesis in the deep layer of stratified acidic pit lakes.

ABSTRACT: Accumulation of harmful metal(loid)s in acidic pit lakes (APLs) is a serious environmental issue in mining districts. This lab-based study evaluated a novel method to stimulate dissimilatory sulfate reduction to promote the formation of sparingly soluble metal(loid)-sulfide minerals in the permanently stratified deep layer of Cueva de la Mora (CM), an APL in the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Spain. Solid-phase biomass was selected because it can be pressed into high-density forms that are dense enough to settle into the deep layer of a lake. This "direct delivery" of electron donor overcomes the current "indirect method" to stimulate algae growth in the upper layer and wait for algae to die and settle into the deep layer. We added the microalgae Coccomyxa onubensis (predominant in CM),

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12915300 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature