Abstract
In Frongoch Mine (UK), it is unclear the distribution of metals on indigenous algae and whether these species of algae can accumulate metals. This study aimed to investigate the role of indigenous algae for metal removal from acid mine drainage and understand if metals can be adsorbed on the surface of algae or/and bioaccumulated in algae. A sequential extraction procedure was applied for algae samples collected from acid mine drainage (AMD) water to identify the forms in which metals are found in algae. Concentrations of Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd were evaluated in the algae and AMD samples were collected in June and October 2019. AMDs samples had a pH value ranging between 3.5 and 6.9 and high concentrations of Zn (351 mg/L) and Pb (4.22 mg/L) that exceeded the water quality standards (Water Framework Directive, 2015). Algae Ulothrix sp. and Oedogonium sp. were the two main species in the Frongoch AMDs. The concentrations of metals in algae ranged from 0.007 to 51 mg/g, and the bioconcentration factor of metals decreased in the following order: Fe > > Pb > > Cu > Cd > Zn. It was found that Zn, Cu and Cd were adsorbed onto the surface of and bioaccumulated in the algae, while Pb and Fe were mainly bioaccumulated in the algae. Indigenous algae can be considered as a biogeochemical barrier where metals are accumulating and can be used in bioremediation methods. Also, indigenous algae could be used as a bioindicator to assess water pollution at Frongoch Mine and other similar metal mines.
Highlights
Acid mine drainage (AMD) has a deleterious impact associated with metalliferous mineral exploitation, leaching potentially toxic metals that can affect the environment (Alpers and Nordstorm 1997; Hudson-Edwards et al.Responsible Editor: Philippe Garrigues2011; Nordstrom 2011; Favas et al 2016; Bogush et al 2016; Rambabu et al 2020; Sahoo et al 2020)
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of indigenous algae for metal removal from acid mine drainage and understand if elements can be adsorbed on the surface of algae or/and bioaccumulated in algae in the Zn-Pb Frongoch mining area (UK)
This study evaluated acid mine drainage (AMD) from the abandoned Zn-Pb Frongoch Mine
Summary
Acid mine drainage (AMD) has a deleterious impact associated with metalliferous mineral exploitation, leaching potentially toxic metals that can affect the environment (Alpers and Nordstorm 1997; Hudson-Edwards et al.Responsible Editor: Philippe Garrigues2011; Nordstrom 2011; Favas et al 2016; Bogush et al 2016; Rambabu et al 2020; Sahoo et al 2020). AMD is harmful to the environment nearby and is thought to affect areas downstream where metals can be transported at some distance (Kumari et al 2010; Ighalo et al 2022). Aquatic plants and animals can be deleteriously affected (Kumari et al 2010). They act as the receptor of the contamination and act as the pathways of metals to humans (Kumari et al 2010). Metals such as Cd, Pb, Cu and Ni from AMD can be accumulated in the human body through those pathways and cause some diseases (Carolin et al 2017)
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