Might it be possible to de-contaminate mine water treatment system substrates using mine water? A mad idea, perhaps, although there is some method behind it…
The use of iron and sulphur oxidising bacteria is a well-established practice for metal leaching in the mining industry, harnessing a process which is responsible for causing acid mine drainage: bio-oxidisation of iron-sulphides within mine workings.
I’m currently attempting to apply this approach to the Nenthead treatment system substrate which is contaminated with zinc – probably as a sulphide. However, where microbes are concerned things are never straightforward, so many thanks to the Geosciences research team at Newcastle University for their ongoing advice and assistance in the lab.