ISSN:
1476-5535
Keywords:
Keywords: sulphate-reducing bacteria; bioremediation; biotechnology; toxic metals; bioreactors; metal sulphides; metal leachate
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
An internal-sedimentation bioreactor was employed to provide biomass feedback and process intensification in a laboratory-scale sulphide-bioprecipitation system for toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn) present in acid leachates from metal-contaminated soil. Biomass feedback was improved by addition of a cationic polymer flocculant and the activity of the sulphate-reducing bacterial culture was increased by the addition of cornsteep in addition to the ethanol used as carbon/energy substrate. A mass-balance was carried out for carbon and sulphur in the system. Sulphate reduction in the reactor was able to remove acidity at moderate sulphate concentrations up to 50 mM although it was insufficient at the highest levels tested. When presented with a simulated toxic metal-containing leachate, the reactor was able to precipitate metals efficiently under all of the conditions of sulphate concentration and pH tested, producing an effluent with metal concentrations suitable for environmental discharge.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.2900406
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