Investigating the potential for microbially induced carbonate precipitation to treat mine waste.

ABSTRACT: In this study, the feasibility of promoting microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) in mine waste piles by using an environmental bacterial enrichment is explored, with goals to reduce metals and acid leaching. MICP has been explored for remediation applications and stabilization of mine waste. Here, we utilize a native bacterial enrichment to promote MICP on seven mine waste samples with variability in acid production and extent of toxic metal leaching. During fifteen applications of MICP solutions and bacteria on waste rock in bench-scale columns, calcium carbonate formed on grain surfaces within all waste samples, though microscopy revealed uneven distribution of CaCO₃ coating. The effluent from acid-producing wastes increased in pH during MICP treatment. MICP perf

SUBMITTER: Proudfoot D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8822478 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature