In-situ semi-passive phycoremediation of highly contaminated mine water in N and S compounds

The mining industry is constantly seeking to limit its impact on the environment. To this end, new solutions for the removal of dissolved contaminants from mining waters must be developed. These must, in addition to treatment capacity allowing effluent to be discharged into the natural environment, be low in energy and chemical reagent consumption. Many studies have proposed biological or phytoremediation alternatives for mining effluents. These processes may, however, be sensitive to the presence of various inhibitors making them ineffective. Phycoremediation may then prove to be an interesting alternative. Although it has yielded interesting results for wastewater treatment, the use of an algal process is not widespread in the mining industry. Due to the high growth rate and the presence of many different sorption sites on the surface, algae can remove a variety of contaminants. The reagent and energy consumption are therefore much lower than that of conventional active processes. In addition, algae are able to establish symbiotic links with plants and microorganisms, providing them with the nutrients needed for growth or increased resistance to the presence of inhibitors, thus optimizing the treatment process…

Faculty Supervisor:

Carmen Mihaela Neculita

Student:

Partner:

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Mining

University:

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Program: