Abstract
Pilot plant studies examined the effect of chemoautotrophic organisms ( Ferrobacillus ferrooxidans, Ferrobacillus sulfooxidans and Thiobacillus thiooxidans) in the formation of acid mine drainage from pyritic mineral associated with coal mining. Discharges were measured for varying hydraulic flow-rates, air or nitrogen atmosphere and biological seeding or non-seeding. Under non-aerobic conditions, Fe(II) and S 2su−II mas release is constant and unaffected by organisms. Under aerobic conditions, acidity, ferrous and total iron and sulfate concentrations are zero order with respect to flow expressed in reciprocal time units, and much greater than under non-aerobic conditions. Total acidity is lower for seeded than for non-seeded aerobic conditions at higher retention times because microorganisms consume acid. Aerobic non-seeded release reaches a maximum that does not change with increasing flow. Aerobic seeded release reaches a maximum greater than that for aerobic non-seeded conditions but then decreases with increased flow. A dynamic equilibrium between pyrite dissolution and organism regeneration and flushout exists.
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