Drainage Treatment Research Articles

Effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in treating deep surgical site infections after spine surgery: a meta-analysis of single-arm studies

BackgroundOne of the common complications in spinal surgery patients is deep surgical site infections (SSIs). Deep SSIs refer to infections that involve the deeper soft tissues of the incision, such as the fascia and muscle layers. This complication can lead to prolonged hospitalization, repeated surgeries, and even life-threatening conditions. In recent years, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has been widely used as an effective wound healing method in the management of post-surgical infections. However, there is a lack of systematic research and comprehensive reviews regarding the exact effectiveness of NPWT in the treatment of deep SSIs following spinal surgery. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of NPWT in treating deep SSIs after spinal surgery, aiming to provide clearer evidence to support clinical practice.MethodsA comprehensive search of databases, including CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP data, CBM, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, was conducted for studies up to August 20, 2024, examining the use of NPWT in treating SSIs after spinal surgery. Using Stata 15.0 software, we employed either fixed or random models to calculate combined effect sizes, depending on the level of heterogeneity observed.ResultsOf the 571 publications initially screened, 19 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the mean duration of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) treatment was 17.45 days [95% confidence interval (CI) (11.63 days, 23.28 days)], and the mean number of VSD uses was 2.57 times[95% CI (1.53times, 3.60times)]. Additionally, the recurrence rate of infection post-discharge was 2% (95% CI = 0-4%). The reoperation rate for internal fixation in NPWT-treated patients was 4% (95% CI = 0-14%).ConclusionAvailable evidence supports the effectiveness of NPWT in treating deep SSIs following spinal surgery, suggesting its clinical utility. However, further studies are needed to compare NPWT with other treatment options for SSIs management.RegistrationsPROSPERO CRD42024612412.

A Novel Permeability–Tortuosity–Porosity Model for Evolving Pore Space and Mineral-Induced Clogging in Porous Medium

Hydrogeochemical processes contribute to long-term alterations in key physical properties of a porous medium, including porosity, tortuosity, and permeability, making it essential to understand their evolution and address clogging-dominated problems in hydrogeological systems such as acid rock drainage treatment and aquifer storage and recovery. However, accurately simulating extreme cases of evolving pore space presents challenges due to the inherent heterogeneity and nonlinear reactions in a porous medium. In response, this study introduces a comprehensive model that integrates the effects of tortuosity on permeability and surface area on reactivity during oxidative precipitation of Fe(II) in a porous medium. Benchmark simulations include an innovative permeability–tortuosity–porosity model accounting for Fe precipitation, as well as the occurrence of complete clogging from localized precipitation, which leads to a reduction of permeability and outflow. The outcomes demonstrate complete pore clogging when Fe(II) concentration reaches 10 mmol/L and a significant decrease in outflow at a Fe(II) concentration of 100 mmol/L. The model’s predictions provide detailed insights into the evolution of the pore matrix during hydrogeochemical reactions and support the development of regional engineering-scale models for applications in mining, agriculture, and environmental management.

Coupling lignocellulosic ethanol refinery with acid mine drainage treatment: A one-stone-two-birds strategy for waste management

Coupling lignocellulosic ethanol refinery with acid mine drainage treatment: A one-stone-two-birds strategy for waste management

Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Precipitates from Passive Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage: Implications for Future Management Strategies

Traditional mining activities in Zaruma-Portovelo (SE Ecuador) have led to high concentrations of pollutants in the Puyango River due to acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned waste. Dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) passive treatment systems have shown efficacy in neutralizing acidity and retaining metals and sulfates in acidic waters, achieving near a 100% retention for Fe, Al, and Cu, over 70% for trace elements, and 25% for SO42−. However, significant solid residues are generated, requiring proper geochemical and mineralogical understanding for management. This study investigates the fractionation of elements in AMD precipitates. Results indicate that Fe3+ and Al3+ predominantly precipitate as low-crystallinity oxyhydroxysulfate minerals such as schwertmannite [Fe3+16(OHSO4)12–13O16·10–12H2O] and jarosite [KFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6], which retain elements like As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn through adsorption and co-precipitation processes. Sulfate removal occurs via salts like coquimbite [AlFe3(SO4)6(H2O)12·6H2O] and gypsum [CaSO4·2H2O]. Divalent metals are primarily removed through carbonate and bicarbonate phases, with minerals such as azurite [Cu(OH)2·2CuCO3], malachite [Cu2(CO3)(OH)2], rhodochrosite [MnCO3], and calcite [CaCO3]. Despite the effectiveness of DAS, leachates from the precipitates exceed regulatory thresholds for aquatic life protection, classifying them as hazardous and posing environmental risks. However, these residues offer opportunities for the recovery of valuable metals.

Interlayers geo-environmental assessment of phosphate waste rock for sustainable management practices.

Phosphate mines produce large quantities of waste rock. These waste rocks are mixed and managed on the surface as large unrestored piles, which makes them difficult to rehabilitate. They primarily comprise carbonates, clays, marls, and cherts (flints). In many cases, the unrestored mine sites, when exposed to normal climatic conditions, could frequently produce toxic environmental pollution, and significant ecological disruptions. This research aims to assess the phosphate waste rock's (PWR) geochemistry and environmental behavior upstream of the extraction process. For this purpose, different core drilling specimens and data were collected from different lithologies and depths in the interlayers of the Benguerir mine to forecast the environmental profile and determine the mobility of the analyzed chemical species. These samples were analyzed for their petrographical, chemical, and mineralogical compositions, static leaching tests, and semi-dynamic test. The mineralogy results showed that the PWR mainly consists of calcite, dolomite, apatite, and quartz, with minor phases such as clay minerals. Chemically, the PWRs are dominated by the following major oxides: CaO and MgO, followed by SiO2 and P2O5. Trace elements can be classified into three groups based on their concentrations: group of Sr, Zn and Cr (> 150ppm), group of Ba, V, Ni, Zr, Y, U, Cu, Cd, Co (10-150ppm), and group of trace elements with relatively low concentrations (< 10ppm): Rb, Pb, As, Mo, Se, Sc, Ga, Nb, Th, Hf, Sb and Cs. Environmentally, the pH of the leachates was neutral to alkaline (6 ± 0.6-9.3) for all the samples, which have a high neutralizing potential (38-991kg CaCO3/t). The release of major and trace elements in the leaching test remains below international standard limits. Consequently, the leaching test results confirm the non-hazardous nature of the PWR. Therefore, the studied PWR could be considered a natural raw material and can be used in various applications in different sectors, such as civil engineering, cement industry, phosphate recovery, and acid mine drainage treatment through neutralization.

Research progress on acid mine drainage treatment based on CiteSpace analysis

Acid mine drainage has always been of global concern, primarily due to its low pH, high concentration of heavy metals and toxic substances, and serious impact on the surrounding environment and ecology of mines. However, the research progress and hotspots in this field of acid mine drainage processing are still unclear. To better understand the research hotspots and trends of acid mine drainage processing from 2004 to 2023, we used CiteSpace bibliometric software to visually analyze 1142 English-language research articles and reviews from the Web of Science core database. Results indicated that this field has received increas-ing attention from researchers worldwide, especially since 2017. The USA and China stand out as major contributors, yet their international collaboration doesn't match South Africa robust partnerships. Strengthening cooperation with other nations should be a priority for both the USA and China. The University of Quebec and University of South Africa were the most production institution. Vhahangwele Masindi from South Africa was the most active author. The top two core journals in this field were Science of the Total Environment and Water Re-search. Additionally, through keyword co-occurrence, clustering, and burst analysis, it is evi-dent that research on heavy metal mechanisms and resource recovery will be the future re-search hotspots in this field of acid mine drainage. This study provides researchers with an opportunity to understand the hotspots and trends in acid mine drainage research from a bibliometric perspective, and serves as a reference for future studies.

Emphysematous pancreatitis: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Emphysematous pancreatitis (EP) is a rare, severe form of acute necrotizing pancreatitis characterized by gas in pancreatic or peripancreatic tissue, with a high mortality rate. To assess the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of EP through a series of case studies. This case series was conducted in intensive care units at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis and gas via computed tomography from June 2018 to June 2024. Patients were categorized into early and late EP groups based on the timing of the appearance of the bubble sign and into extensive and common types based on the distribution range of the bubble sign. The data recorded included sex, age, aetiology, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis score, subtype, gas distribution extent, aetiological diagnostic basis, pathogen categories, intervention measures, and prognosis. Among the 15 patients, 66.7% had a biliary aetiology and extensive type of EP, 47.1% had early-onset EP, and 73.3% had confirmed aetiological evidence [6 based on bacterial culture, 4 based on both routine culture and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and 1 solely based on NGS]. The common pathogens were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Six patients survived. Among the 2 patients who did not undergo percutaneous drainage or surgical treatment, 1 survived. Of the 6 patients who underwent percutaneous drainage, 2 survived, 2 survived after subsequent surgery, and 2 died without surgery. Among the 6 patients who underwent surgery alone, 5 died and 1 survived. Among the early-onset EP patients, 4 survived; among the late-onset EP patients, 2 survived. Among the common EP types, 4 survived; among the extensive EP types, only 1 survived. The mortality rate among patients with EP is considerable, and NGS enhances pathogen identification accuracy. Despite the debate on conservative vs surgical management, the STEP-UP strategy remains viable. Aggressive antimicrobial therapy, early percutaneous catheter drainage, and other minimally invasive interventions, along with delayed surgical intervention, may improve patient prognosis.

The epidemiology and management of spontaneous spinal epidural abscesses in children: a single-center experience.

Spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) are rare infections in children but can lead to significant neurological sequelae. The authors sought to describe the presentation, management, and outcomes of children with these infections at their institution. This was a retrospective study of pediatric patients admitted with SEA to a quaternary children's hospital between 2013 and 2023. Clinical characteristics including laboratory, surgical, and antimicrobial data were collected and analyzed. Fourteen patients (median age 3.7 years) had SEAs. Thirteen (93%) patients developed the infection in the outpatient setting, and of these 10 (77%) were evaluated by a medical provider prior to the encounter when the diagnosis was made. The most common causative pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Thirteen (93%) of 14 patients underwent a surgical procedure, and patients were treated with antibiotics for a median of 38 days. Eleven (79%) of 14 patients received enteral antibiotics for part of their treatment course. All patients recovered with no neurological sequelae. SEAs are rare infections, but good outcomes can be obtained with prompt antimicrobial and surgical management. Enteral antibiotics should be considered as part of therapy. Larger multicenter studies are needed to determine the optimal antibiotic duration and route, and which patients should undergo neurosurgical intervention versus interventional radiology drainage or medical management alone.

Five years of monitoring the swampy forest system: a pilot project for acid mine drainage treatment to achieve threshold value

Abstract This research evaluated the effectiveness of the swampy forest system, a unique and cost-effective approach developed based on a conventional method for acid mine drainage treatment at the Jorong coal mine in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The conventional method uses lime for acid neutralization and is often considered expensive. Acid mine drainage, with its high acidity and heavy metal contents, must be mitigated to achieve threshold values before being released into public waters. This research aimed to determine whether the swampy forest system pilot project, implemented in 2019, had sustainable and proper operations. As mandated by applicable regulations, quarterly observations of seven threshold parameters before and after acid mine drainage were conducted between 2019 and 2024. The observations revealed that the swampy forest system could change the parameter values to achieve the threshold value within five years of operations, demonstrating its exceptional long-term sustainability. Conclusively, this system is viable for natural application at a low cost at the closure stage of the abandoned mine.

Five Years of Leaching Experiments to Evaluate Land Spreading of a Modified Bauxite Residue Before and After Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage: Sand or Soil Capping and Revegetation

The global generation of bauxite residue necessitates environmentally responsible disposal strategies. This study investigated the long-term (5-year) behavior of bauxite residue whose pH was lowered to 8.5, called modified bauxite residue (MBR), using lysimeters to test various configurations: raw MBR or used MBR (UMBR) previously applied for acid mine drainage remediation, sand or soil capping, and revegetation. Throughout the experiment and across all configurations, the pH of the leachates stabilized between 7 and 8 and their salinity decreased. Their low sodium absorption ratio (SAR) indicated minimal risk of material clogging and suitability for salt-tolerant plant growth. Leaching of potentially toxic elements, except vanadium, decreased rapidly after the first year to low levels. Leachate concentrations consistently remained below LD50 for Hyalella azteca and were at least an order of magnitude lower by the experiment’s end, except for first-year chromium. Sand capping performed poorly, while revegetation and soil capping slightly increased leaching, though these were negligible given the low final leaching levels. Revegetated MBR shows promise as a suitable and sustainable solution for managing bauxite residues, provided the pH is maintained above 6.5. This study highlights the importance of long-term assessments and appropriate management strategies for bauxite residue disposal.

Develop Reusable Carbon Sub-Micrometer Composites with Record-High Cd(II) Removal Capacity.

Cd(II)-induced pollution across diverse water bodies severely threatens ecosystems and human health. Nevertheless, achieving ultra-efficient and cost-effective treatment of trace amounts of heavy metals remains a major challenge. Herein, the novel carbon sub-micrometer composites (CSMCs) supported Fe0@γ-Fe2O3 core-shell clusters nanostructures are designed and synthesized through a series of universally applicable methods. Research data on adsorption behavior clearly revealed that resorcinol/formaldehyde 1.25-basic ferric acetate (RF-1.25BFA) and RF-1.25BFA-540 have surprising adsorption capacities. Employing the adsorbent dosage of 0.025gL-1, the adsorption capacities for 10mgL-1 Cd(II) reached 400.00mgg-1 with ultrafast adsorption kinetics, alongside theoretical maximum adsorption capacities for Cd(II) of 1108.87 and 1065.06mgg-1 using 0.025gL-1 adsorbent, respectively, setting a new record-high level. Additionally, they demonstrated exceptional stability and reusability, maintaining Cd(II) removal efficiency above 95% even after 15 adsorption-desorption cycles. Importantly, this study is the first to unveil a new ultrafast successive two-step enrichment-hydrolysis adsorption mechanism for Cd(II) removal, emphasizing the critical role played by iron clusters nanostructures in constructing a high-alkalinity adsorption microenvironment on the surface of the materials. The findings reported pioneered a new avenue for the rational design of high-performance environmental remediation materials, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional mine drainage treatment.

Enterobacter cloacae as a Rare Cause of Cerebral Abscesses in a Neonatal Late-Onset Sepsis—a Case Report and Literature Review with Focus on Risk Factors, Diagnostics, and Treatment

AbstractLate-onset sepsis (LOS; sepsis occurring after the first 72 h of life) increases the morbidity and mortality of premature neonates, especially those with very low birth weight (≤1,500 g). In LOS, Enterobacter cloacae has been rarely described as a cause of secondary brain abscesses. Our case report summarizes important aspects of cerebral abscesses due to an E. cloacae sepsis in a preterm neonate. Our patient received surgical abscess drainage and rational antibiotic treatment, employing prolonged meropenem infusions plus fosfomycin and subsequent treatment with oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Furthermore, we present a review of the current literature from 2009 to 2022, comparing cases similar to our case.

Integrated Acid Mine Drainage Treatment with Post-Mining Reclamation via Swampy Forest System

Integrated Acid Mine Drainage Treatment with Post-Mining Reclamation via Swampy Forest System

The normalization trend of ventricular morphology after lateral ventricular tumor resection without additional diversion

Intraventricular tumors frequently provoke alterations in ventricular morphology. This study aims to quantificational assess perioperative dynamic fluctuations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume within the lateral ventricles of patients harboring lateral ventricular tumors. A retrospective review encompassing 90 patients who underwent surgical intervention for lateral ventricular tumors at our institution was undertaken. Comprehensive observations at multiple perioperative time points were conducted, and LVCV analyses were performed to delineate the longitudinal dynamic alterations in ventricular morphology. Additionally, LVCV measurements were juxtaposed with data from 19 healthy subjects to stratify patients into two cohorts: those exhibiting preoperative increased LVCV and those without such changes. After surgical excision of intraventricular tumors, alterations in LVCV were compared between these cohorts, with a factor analysis undertaken specifically among patients demonstrating increased LVCV to elucidate potential influencing variables. 40 patients (44.4%) diagnosed with intraventricular tumors presenting with enlarged preoperative LVCV [74.6 (49.3–101.8) cm3] compared with the normal subject group, and the LVCV demonstrated a significant postoperative [41.3 (27.6–67.5) cm3] reduction in 3 months (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, 50 patients (55.6%) without LVCV enlargement [14.5 (8.1–21.0) cm3] experienced a notable increase following surgery in 3 months [20.2 (14.1–33.3) cm3, p = 0.002]. Preoperative increased LVCV is an important factor leading to the increased LVCV postoperatively (p = 0.022, OR = 26.239), however, compared to healthy subjects, both groups exhibited a trend toward normalization of LVCV value postoperatively (p = 0.165, p = 0.072, respectively). Following appropriate surgical excision of the tumor, the preoperative increased LVCV associated with intraventricular tumors does not hinder the normalization trend of ventricular morphology. Not all ventricular dilation requires preventive long-term external ventricular drainage and aggressive ventriculoperitoneal shunt treatment.

THE CONNECTION OF LOCAL RETINAL DETACHMENT IN THE MACULAR AREA WITH THE FOSSA OF THE OPTIC DISC. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS (CLINICAL CASE)

Relevance. The optic nerve pit is a congenital disease manifested by a depression in the disc of the optic nerve, which affects about 0.9% of the population. Complications occur in 25–75% of patients and may include retinal detachment. The causes of detachment remain unclear, but two theories of the occurrence of this complication have been put forward. Fluorescence angiography and optical coherence tomography are used for diagnosis. The treatment of retinal detachment in ONDP is not standardized and includes laser treatment, vitrectomy and other methods for fluid drainage. It is important to differentiate ONDP from other causes of central retinal detachment.Objective. Based on a clinical case, to demonstrate an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of local retinal detachment in the macular area associated with the fossa of the optic disc.Materials and methods. This article presents a clinical case of retinal detachment in the macular area associated with the fossa of the optic disc. Results and discussions. When comparing two clinical cases, the similarity of the ophthalmoscopic picture and the differences in the OCT and FAG images were revealed.Conclusions. The accumulation of fluid under the neuroepithelium is not a pathognomic sign, therefore it is important to carry out differential diagnosis in central serous retinal detachment associated with the fossa of the optic disc.

OGC SO37 - Pyloric drainage interventions for delayed gastric conduit emptying after oesophagectomy: A single centre analysis

Abstract Background Oesophagectomy in combination with perioperative multimodal therapy is the cornerstone of modern curative treatment for resectable oesophageal cancer. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common postoperative complication that results from the anatomical and physiological changes in the gastric conduit after an oesophageal resection. It is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, anastomotic leak and prolonged hospital stay. Although several prophylactic pyloric drainage interventions have been postulated to mitigate the risk of DGE, the optimal modality remains debatable. This study aimed to define the incidence, evaluate prognostic factors, and characterise the management of DGE following oesophagectomy. Method Consecutive patients who underwent an oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between January 2022 and March 2024 were retrospectively identified from a hospital database. Pyloric drainage procedures consisted of expectant management, endoscopic/open pyloric Botox and pyloroplasty. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to define the incidence of DGE after each pyloric drainage modality, evaluate prognostic factors for DGE, and characterise the need for subsequent intervention in the management of DGE. Results The study cohort comprised 137 patients – mean age 66 years, male 78%. The incidence of DGE was 31%. Pyloroplasty had the lowest incidence of DGE (16%) followed by endoscopic botox (21%). Intra-operative pyloric drainage reduced the risk of DGE (p=0.03). The modality of prophylactic pyloric drainage used significantly influenced the risk of developing DGE (p=0.028). No significant differences were identified between patient demographics, operative approach, and oncological variables in the development of DGE. On multivariable analysis, pyloroplasty was associated with a reduced risk of DGE (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09 – 0.71). DGE did not influence overall survival. Conclusion DGE is a common postoperative complication which affects up to 39% of patients undergoing oesophagectomy. Patients who did not undergo a prophylactic pyloric drainage procedure during the index oesophagectomy were at an increased risk of developing DGE. Most patients with DGE (71%) require further intervention via endoscopy and botox injection. Pyloroplasty as a prophylactic drainage modality significantly reduced the risk of developing DGE compared to endoscopic botox. Further prospective randomised controlled trials are required to validate these findings.

Study on Machine Learning-based Prediction of Lime Dosage for Mine Drainage Treatment

Study on Machine Learning-based Prediction of Lime Dosage for Mine Drainage Treatment

The efficacy of neuroendoscopic surgery treating patients with thalamic hemorrhage accompanied by intraventricular hematoma.

Neuroendoscopic surgery (NES) has been proven to be safe and effective in hematoma evacuation for cerebral hemorrhage. However, its efficacy for thalamic hemorrhage accompanied by intraventricular hematoma (THAVH) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of NES in treating THAVH. A retrospective study was carried out. The data of patients diagnosed with THAVH were collected from January 1st, 2019, to January 1st, 2022. Patients received the NES or external ventricle drainage (EVD) treatment were assigned to the NES or EVD group, respectively. As primary outcomes, the hematoma evacuation volume, residual hematoma volume, and hematoma clearance rate were separately calculated based on the hematoma site; and the 180-day-mRS score was assessed. As secondary outcomes, the length of stay in the ICU and hospital, and the adverse events were also compared. Thirty-five patients, aged 66.37 ± 6.62 years, were in the NES group; and 40 patients, aged 68.75 ± 7.22 years, were in the EVD group. The baseline characteristics in the two groups were similar (P > 0.05). The gross hematoma evacuation volume, volume of hematoma evacuated in the thalamus or the ventricle, and the hematoma clearance rate were greater in the NES group than in the EVD group on the 1st day after surgery (P < 0.05). The patients had a better rank of mRS in the NES group (P < 0.05). Compared with patients with mRS > 3, the mean residual hematoma volume in the thalamus of patients with mRS ≤3 on the 1st and 7th day were less in each group (P < 0.05), respectively. A residual hematoma volume in the ventricle of patients with mRS ≤3 was less than that of patients with mRS >3 in the EVD group on the 1st day after surgery (P < 0.05). GCS score on the 3rd day was greater in the NES group (P < 0.05). The incidence of lung infection was lower in the NES group (P < 0.05). The length of stay in the ICU and hospitalization duration were shorter in the NES group (P < 0.05). Neuroendoscopic surgery has a greater hematoma clearance rate, a lower lung infection rate and a shorter duration in the hospital. Neuroendoscopic surgery might improve patients' prognosis. Neuroendoscopic surgery is a safe and effective procedure for treating thalamic hemorrhage accompanied by intraventricular hematoma.

Study on the new slow-release carbon source biochemistry and its improvement of SRB on the acid mine drainage treatment

The content of sulfate and heavy metals in acidic mine drainage (AMD) exceeds the standard severely, and the acidity is extremely high, causing serious harm to the environment. SRB can efficiently remove sulfates through its own metabolism. The treatment of AMD by SRB faces problems such as carbon source scarcity and heavy metal ion toxicity to SRB. In this study, corn cob and polycaprolactone were embedded to prepare a novel slow-release carbon source (PSCL), which simultaneously achieves carbon source supply and metal ion removal. Through adsorption isotherms, kinetics, thermodynamics studies, and various characterization analyses, it is known that PSCL removes Cu2+ and Zn2+ through ion exchange, physical and chemical adsorption, electrostatic attraction, and surface complexation. PSCL carbon release experiments and characterization results confirm that its surface carbon distribution is dense, the molecular weight of DOM in the leachate is small, the degree of humification is low, and it has a porous structure, making it a good carbon release material and biological attachment. The experimental results of PSCL enhanced SRB treatment of AMD showed that the removal rates of SO42−, Cu2+ and Zn2+ could be increased to 97.48%, 98.11% and 90.42%, respectively, with a effluent pH of 7.05, effectively improving the water quality of AMD. This study provides new materials and methods to address the limitations of SRB in treating actual AMD.

Evaluation of Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Different Grasses Irrigated with Treated Mine Water

Coal mining is known to have negative impacts on the environment, necessitating land rehabilitation after mining activities. Amongst the problems associated with coal mining is the accumulation of acid mine drainage characterized by large amounts of heavy metals and high acidity. The impact of these environmental problems on the ecosystem around mining areas underscores a need to devise strategies that will ensure sustainable restoration of the ecosystem integrity to ensure environmental protection. Of these, treatment of acid mine drainage using calcium sulfate dihydrate, which is subsequently used for irrigation during phytoremediation, holds great promise for restoration of open-cast mines. However, although grasses are used for rehabilitation of coal mined areas, the impacts of treated mine water on the germination, seedling emergence, and plant growth of grasses are not well known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the germination and early seedling growth responses of different forage grasses to treated mine water. Seven forage grass species were selected, with four species represented by two varieties while others were represented by one variety, totaling 11 forage grasses. For each plant entry, 100 seeds were placed in J.R. Petri’s dishes lined with Whatman No. 2 filter paper and watered with distilled and mine water to assess germination. For the seedling establishment experiment, only five species were studied, in which twenty seeds per species were sown in pots containing mine soil and irrigated using distilled and treated mine water. The final germination percentage (FGP), germination rate index (GRI), corrected germination rate index (CGRI), and T50 were determined for the germination trail and total biomass was assessed for the seedling growth trail. The highest FGP for all grasses was attained under controlled conditions, using distilled water, ranging from 38–94%. All grasses germinated when watered using treated mine water and had a FGP ranging from 20–91%. Relative to distilled water, GRI and CGRI were highest only for L. multiflorum cv AgriBoost when seeds were watered using the treated mine water. All grasses watered with treated mine water produced high biomass for the first two weeks, after which biomass production started to decline. Two grasses, Eragrostis curvula cv Ermelo and Lolium multiflorum cv Archie, showed tolerance to treated mine water irrespective of its high electrical conductivity (557 mS∙m−1). Therefore, these grasses could be used in the rehabilitation of coal-mined areas irrigated with treated mine water.