The Use of Algal Biomass to Sustain Sulfidogenic Bioreactors for Remediating Acidic Metal-Rich Waste Waters

Abstract:

Two different species of acidophilic micro-algae were grown in axenic culture, biomass harvested and injected into a low pH sulfate-reducing bioreactor, to act as a substrate for biosulfidogenesis. The hydrogen sulfide generated was used to precipitate copper in an off-line vessel, and the bioreactor pH was maintained by automated addition of a pH 2.5 feed liquor, to compensate for protons consumed by biosulfidogenesis. Results demonstrated the potential for using algal biomass for this purpose, precipitating about 1.5 mg Cu²⁺ L^-1h^-1, though rates of sulfidogenesis were considerably slower that when glycerol and yeast extract were used as organic feed-stocks.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 262)
• Pages: 577-581
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.262.577
• Online since: August 2017
• Authors: Ana Laura Santos, D. Barrie Johnson*
• Keywords: Algal Biomass, Biosulfidogenesis, Metal Recovery, Sulfate Reduction

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