Accelerating microbial iron cycling promotes re-cementation of surface crusts in iron ore regions.

ABSTRACT: Accelerating microbial iron cycling is an innovative environmentally responsible strategy for mine remediation. In the present study, we extend the application of microbial iron cycling in environmental remediation, to include biocementation for the aggregation and stabilization of mine wastes. Microbial iron reduction was promoted monthly for 10 months in crushed canga (a by-product from iron ore mining, dominated by crystalline iron oxides) in 1 m³ containers. Ferrous iron concentrations reached 445 ppm in treatments and diverse lineages of the candidate phyla radiation dominated pore waters, implicating them in fermentation and/or metal cycling in this system. After a 6-month evaporation period, iron-rich cements had formed between grains and 20-cm aggregates were recoverable

SUBMITTER: Gagen EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7533318 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature