Simultaneous Removal of Copper, Zinc, and Sulfate from Coal Mine Waste in a Laboratory SRB Bioreactor Using Lactate or Ethanol as Carbon Sources

The feasibility of inoculating coal mine waste piles with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) to prevent the production of acidic leachates containing sulfate and metal contaminants was evaluated in batch and column bioreactors. The results showed that SRB growth and activity could be attained in the presence of acidic (pH 4.5) coal mine waste using lactate or ethanol as a carbon source, while no obvious growth was found at pH <3.5. Inoculation of coal mine waste in batch reactors with lactate or ethanol as a carbon source resulted in efficient neutralization and high removal of sulfate and metals. Similar results were attained in dynamic-flow columns inoculated with SRB. SEM-EDS analysis of the precipitates showed iron sulfide to be the main component. This study indicates that SRB could possibly be used to prevent or limit acidic drainage from coal mine waste piles.