Bioremediation of Metals in Acid Tailings by Mixed Microbial Mats

Abstract

Mixed microbial mats were used to promote metal removal from mine drainage in Alabama and Colorado, USA. They are a microbial consortium which are highly tolerant of toxic metals and harsh environmental conditions. Under field conditions, these mats are generally modified by the voluntary invasion of local flora, especially filamentous green algae. For bioremediation work, these constructed mats take advantage of the role natural microbial mats play in filtering and transforming metals and metalloids. Constructed microbial mats are synthesized using silage with its associated bacterial flora and the blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) Oscillatoria.