scholarly journals Characteristics of an Iron-Reducing, Moderately Acidophilic Actinobacterium Isolated from Pyritic Mine Waste, and Its Potential Role in Mitigating Mineral Dissolution in Mineral Tailings Deposits

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 990
Author(s):  
Ivan Nancucheo ◽  
D. Barrie Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mine Tailings ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Mineral Dissolution ◽  
Mine Wastes ◽  
Temperature Growth ◽  
Growth Optimum ◽  
Heterotrophic Microorganisms ◽  
Mesophilic Bacterium ◽  
Moderately Acidophilic

Reactive pyritic mine tailings can be populated by chemolithotrophic prokaryotes that enhance the solubilities of many metals, though iron-reducing heterotrophic microorganisms can inhibit the environmental risk posed by tailings by promoting processes that are the reverse of those carried out by pyrite-oxidising autotrophic bacteria. A strain (IT2) of Curtobacterium ammoniigenes, a bacterium not previously identified as being associated with acidic mine wastes, was isolated from pyritic mine tailings and partially characterized. Strain IT2 was able to reduce ferric iron under anaerobic conditions, but was not found to catalyse the oxidation of ferrous iron or elemental (zero-valent) sulfur, and was an obligate heterotrophic. It metabolized monosaccharides and required small amounts of yeast extract for growth. Isolate IT2 is a mesophilic bacterium, with a temperature growth optimum of 30 °C and is moderately acidophilic, growing optimally at pH 4.0 and between pH 2.7 and 5.0. The isolate tolerated elevated concentrations of many transition metals, and was able to grow in the cell-free spent medium of the acidophilic autotroph Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, supporting the hypothesis that it can proliferate in acidic mine tailings. Its potential role in mitigating the production of acidic, metal-rich drainage waters from mine wastes is discussed.

scholarly journals The Use of Biochar of High Growth Rate Plants to Agriculturally Remediate Heavy Metal Polluted Acidic Mine Wastes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arturo Aguirre Gómez ◽  
Laura Virginia Nuñez Balderas ◽  
Claudia Hidalgo Moreno ◽  
Jorge Dionisio Etchevers Barra
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Mine Tailings ◽  
Metal Speciation ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
High Growth ◽  
High Growth Rate ◽  
National Standards ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Mine Wastes

The chapter is meant to expose how a sound methodology can be instrumented to both, remediate acidic metal polluted mine wastes, taking advantage of the neutralizing power and high metal sorption affinity of biochar, and to utilize pyrolyzed material derived from high-rate growth plants (water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes Mart, and Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus Labill), which have become of ecological relevance due to their unwanted proliferation over specific terrestrial, lacustrine or riverine environments. In addition, the proposal considers not only neutralizing the mine tailings and abating the toxic levels of specific heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, etc., to fulfill the international and national standards and norms, but to conveniently combine biochar with widely used soil amendments to pass widely recognized biological tests of growth using heavy metal-sensitive plants. The approach addresses firstly: a) characterizing physiochemically mine tailings and biochar, in terms of their properties (metal speciation and contents, potential acidity and neutralization potential, chemical oxygen demand, heavy metal-biochar sorption-complexing affinities, among others), and secondly; b) creating a” fertile environment” by reconditioning, agriculturally, the heavy metal-polluted acidic mine waste to allow native vegetation, or other reforesting species, to regrow on the reclaimed site, based on the bioassay tests performances.

The geochemistry of mine-waste pore water affected by the combined disposal of natrojarosite and base-metal sulphide tailings at Kidd Creek, Timmins, Ontario

1994 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 502-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.A. Al ◽  
D.W. Blowes ◽  
J.L. Jambor ◽  
J.D. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Pore Water ◽  
Mine Tailings ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Mineral Dissolution ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Sulphide Oxidation ◽  
Neutralization Capacity ◽  
Water Composition ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Sulphide Tailings

Since 1985 natrojarosite residue (NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6) from the zinc refinery at Kidd Creek near Timmins, Ontario, has been disposed of with mine tailings containing up to 25 wt.% pyrite. Pore-water geochemical data have been collected from depth profiles through the vadose and saturated zones in the tailings. Three zones are defined by the concentrations of metals, SO4, and HCO3. In the deepest zone the concentrations of most metals and anions are below detection and the concentrations of Fe, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Mn, HCO3, and SO4 are low, similar to those in the mill discharge water. Higher concentrations of Na, K, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Pb, As, SO4, and HCO3 occur within an intermediate zone. These increased concentrations are attributed to natrojarosite dissolution. A surficial zone affected by sulphide oxidation contains high concentrations of metals and SO4. High concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Al in this zone characterize the effects of sulphide oxidation on pore-water composition as distinct from the effects of natrojarosite dissolution. The H+ released by Fe3+ hydrolysis following natrojarosite dissolution is neutralized by carbonate-mineral dissolution that reduces the acid-neutralization capacity of the tailings and releases HCO3. Natrojarosite codisposal with tailings also causes deterioration of the pore-water quality because the dissolution of natrojarosite releases Na, K, Fe, Pb, and SO4 to the pore water. Key words : mine tailings, natrojarosite, jarosite, tailings geochemistry, sulphide oxidation.

scholarly journals Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterisation of Historic Zn–Pb Mine Waste, Plombières, East Belgium

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Srećko Bevandić ◽  
Rosie Blannin ◽  
Jacqueline Vander Auwera ◽  
Nicolas Delmelle ◽  
David Caterina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Grain Size Analysis ◽  
Size Analysis ◽  
Mine Wastes ◽  
Metallurgical Waste ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Geochemical Properties ◽  
Potential Applications

Mine wastes and tailings derived from historical processing may contain significant contents of valuable metals due to processing being less efficient in the past. The Plombières tailings pond in eastern Belgium was selected as a case study to determine mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the different mine waste materials found at the site. Four types of material were classified: soil, metallurgical waste, brown tailings and yellow tailings. The distribution of the mine wastes was investigated with drill holes, pit-holes and geophysical methods. Samples of the materials were assessed with grain size analysis, and mineralogical and geochemical techniques. The mine wastes dominantly consist of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3. The cover material, comprising soil and metallurgical waste is highly heterogeneous in terms of mineralogy, geochemistry and grain size. The metallurgical waste has a high concentration of metals (Zn: 0.1 to 24 wt.% and Pb: 0.1 to 10.1 wt.%). In the tailings materials, Pb and Zn vary from 10 ppm to 8.5 wt.% and from 51 ppm to 4 wt.%, respectively. The mining wastes comprises mainly quartz, amorphous phases and phyllosilicates, with minor contents of Fe-oxide and Pb- and Zn-bearing minerals. Based on the mineralogical and geochemical properties, the different potential applications of the four waste material types were determined. Additionally, the theoretical economic potential of Pb and Zn in the mine wastes was estimated.

scholarly journals Potential Use of Organic- and Hard-Rock Mine Wastes on Aided Phytostabilization of Large-Scale Mine Tailings under Semiarid Mediterranean Climatic Conditions: Short-Term Field Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Santibañez ◽  
Luz María de la Fuente ◽  
Elena Bustamante ◽  
Sergio Silva ◽  
Pedro León-Lobos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mine Tailings ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Hard Rock ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Goat Manure ◽  
Site Rehabilitation

The study evaluated the efficacy of organic- and hard-rock mine waste type materials on aided phytostabilization of Cu mine tailings under semiarid Mediterranean conditions in order to promote integrated waste management practices at local levels and to rehabilitate large-scale (from 300 to 3,000 ha) postoperative tailings storage facilities (TSFs). A field trial with 13 treatments was established on a TSF to test the efficacy of six waste-type locally available amendments (grape and olive residues, biosolids, goat manure, sediments from irrigation canals, and rubble from Cu-oxide lixiviation piles) during early phases of site rehabilitation. Results showed that, even though an interesting range of waste-type materials were tested, biosolids (100 t ha-1dry weight, d.w.) and grape residues (200 t ha-1d.w.), either alone or mixed, were the most suitable organic amendments when incorporated into tailings to a depth of 20 cm. Incorporation of both rubble from Cu-oxide lixiviation piles and goat manure into upper tailings also had effective results. All these treatments improved chemical and microbiological properties of tailings and lead to a significant increase in plant yield after three years from trial establishment. Longer-term evaluations are, however required to evaluate self sustainability of created systems without further incorporation of amendments.

Determination of the concentration of asbestos minerals in highly contaminated mine tailings: An example from abandoned mine waste of Cretaz and Emarese (Valle d'Aosta, Italy)

2014 ◽  
Vol 99 (7) ◽  
pp. 1233-1247 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. Gualtieri ◽  
S. Pollastri ◽  
N. B. Gandolfi ◽  
F. Ronchetti ◽  
C. Albonico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mine Tailings ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Abandoned Mine

Challenges in the sampling and characterisation of mining residues for CRMs recovery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Guatame-Garcia ◽  
Mike Buxton ◽  
Sara Kasmaee ◽  
Francesco Tinti ◽  
Rachel Horta Arduin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Round Table ◽  
Secondary Source ◽  
Mine Wastes ◽  
Analytical Instruments ◽  
Successful Recovery ◽  
Mining Residues

<p>The recent Circular Economy Action Plan for Europe<sup>1</sup> considers mine waste a secondary source of minerals. These deposits contain potentially economic concentrations of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), such as Al, Li, Co and REE, which are strategic for the global economy and energy transition. However, there are significant knowledge and technological gaps that hinder their successful recovery. The INCO-Piles 2020 project<sup>2</sup> is currently working on the recapitulation, establishment and development of innovative technologies for the sustainable extraction of CRMs from the residuals of mining activities, focusing on Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) strategic areas. The project includes the definition of potential applications, best practices, and the promotion of technology transfer through round tables that count with international experts' participation.</p><p>The first Round Table, a hybrid event held in December 2020 with 73 experts from 23 countries, addressed the challenges in recovering CRMs from tailings. The discussions were based on three topics: (1) challenges in sampling and characterisation from mining residue, (2) extraction and processing challenges, and (3) economic and environmental challenges. Regarding the first topic, one of the most significant issues is the inherent heterogeneity of mine waste deposits, which is a product of the mine processing and deposition methods, and the post-depositional weathering reactions. The lack of historical data, particularly for old deposits, hampers the understanding of such processes. A second challenge concerns the specific type of information required for assessing the CRMs potential. Representative geochemical and mineralogical data must be collected and interpreted at different scales (i.e., from individual minerals to tens of meters tall waste rock piles and tailings). The collection of representative samples faces issues related to the accessibility to the mine waste sites, the coverage and the sample contamination (i.e., material mixing) related to sample recovery methods. The scalability can be addressed by a combination of laboratory analyses, in-the-field surveys and remote sensing techniques. Current innovations in the combination of modern analytical instruments for geochemistry and mineralogy (e.g., pXRF, LIBS and portable infrared spectrometers) and the implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques will contribute to closing the knowledge and technology gaps.</p><p>Lastly, the discussions included the potential hazards faced during the characterisation and re-intervention of old-sites. Well-known mine wastes issues related to human health, environment and license to operate that can hinder a characterisation campaign must be properly considered before the commencement of a CRMs recovery project. The participants also identified transversal challenges for the three discussion topics, such as the need for regulation and professionals with an appropriate background.</p><p>All the insights discussed during this First Round Table will serve as a baseline for defining the best practices for characterisation and sampling of CRMs in mine wastes and contributing to increasing the sustainability in the supply of mineral resources and improving old mining sites' environmental quality.    </p><div><br><div> <p><sup>1</sup> EU Circular Economy Action Plan https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/</p> </div> <div> <p><sup>2</sup> INCO-Piles is a two-year project funded by EIT RawMaterials. More information: https://site.unibo.it/inco-piles-2020/en</p> </div> </div>

scholarly journals Broad Environmental Tolerance for a Salicola Host-Phage Pair Isolated from the Cargill Solar Saltworks, Newark, CA, USA

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan L. Rodela ◽  
Shereen Sabet ◽  
Allison Peterson ◽  
Jesse G. Dillon
Keyword(s):  
Halophilic Bacterium ◽  
Comparative Investigation ◽  
Comprehensive Investigation ◽  
Thermal Limit ◽  
Temperature Growth ◽  
Growth Optimum ◽  
Phenotype Microarrays ◽  
Solar Saltworks ◽  
Growth Limit ◽  
Environmental Tolerances

Phages greatly influence the ecology and evolution of their bacterial hosts; however, compared to hosts, a relatively low number of phages, especially halophilic phages, have been studied. This study describes a comparative investigation of physicochemical tolerance between a strain of the halophilic bacterium, Salicola, isolated from the Cargill Saltworks (Newark, CA, USA) and its associated phage. The host grew in media between pH 6–8.5, had a salinity growth optimum of 20% total salts (ranging from 10%–30%) and an upper temperature growth limit of 48 °C. The host utilized 61 of 190 substrates tested using BIOLOG Phenotype MicroArrays. The CGφ29 phage, one of only four reported Salicola phages, is a DNA virus of the Siphoviridae family. Overall, the phage tolerated a broader range of environmental conditions than its host (salinity 0–30% total salts; pH 3–9; upper thermal limit 80 °C) and is the most thermotolerant halophilic phage ever reported. This study is the most comprehensive investigation to date of a Salicola host–phage pair and provides novel insights into extreme environmental tolerances among bacteriophages.

scholarly journals Gold Mine Tailings: A Potential Source of Silica Sand for Glass Making

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchenna Okereafor ◽  
Mamookho Makhatha ◽  
Lukhanyo Mekuto ◽  
Vuyo Mavumengwana
Keyword(s):  
Mine Tailings ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Silica Sand ◽  
Mine Wastes ◽  
Gold Mine ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Gold Mine Tailings ◽  
Cadmium Zinc

Mining of minerals such as gold, copper, and platinum has been one of several activities sustaining the economy of South Africa. However, the mining sector has contributed significantly to environmental contamination through the improper disposal of mine tailings which covers vast areas of land. Therefore, this study utilised a vitrification process to manufacture glass from gold mine tailings. X-ray fluorescence was used to determine the chemical composition of the tailings while X-ray diffraction was adopted for the mineralogy. The tailings were of granitic composition enriched in potentially toxic elements such as copper, cadmium, zinc, lead, arsenic, and chromium. A representative sample of gold mine wastes of sandy grain size was used in making the glass. Based on composition, the glass was formulated by adding an average 10.0 mass% of CaCO3 and 5.0 mass% of Na2CO3 to 35.0 mass% of SiO2, which resulted in the production of a green-coloured glass.

scholarly journals Plant Genotype Influences Physicochemical Properties of Substrate as Well as Bacterial and Fungal Assemblages in the Rhizosphere of Balsam Poplar

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karelle Rheault ◽  
Denis Lachance ◽  
Marie-Josée Morency ◽  
Évelyne Thiffault ◽  
Marie Guittonny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Forest Tree ◽  
Plant Succession ◽  
Mine Wastes ◽  
Plant Genotype ◽  
Balsam Poplar ◽  
The Impact

Abandoned unrestored mines are an important environmental concern as they typically remain unvegetated for decades, exposing vast amounts of mine waste to erosion. Several factors limit the revegetation of these sites, including extreme abiotic and unfavorable biotic conditions. However, some pioneer tree species having high levels of genetic diversity, such as balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), can naturally colonize these sites and initiate plant succession. This suggests that some tree genotypes are likely more suited for acclimation to the conditions of mine wastes. In this study, we selected two contrasting mine waste storage facilities (waste rock from a gold mine and tailings from a molybdenum mine) from the Abitibi region of Quebec (Canada), on which poplars were found to have grown naturally. First, we assessed in situ the impact of vegetation presence on each mine waste type. The presence of balsam poplars improved soil health locally by modifying the physicochemical properties (e.g., higher nutrient content and pH) of the mine wastes and causing an important shift in their bacterial and fungal community compositions, going from lithotrophic communities that dominate mine waste environments to heterotrophic communities involved in nutrient cycling. Next, in a greenhouse experiment we assessed the impact of plant genotype when grown in these mine wastes. Ten genotypes of P. balsamifera were collected locally, found growing either at the mine sites or in the surrounding natural forest. Tree growth was monitored over two growing seasons, after which the effects of genotype-by-environment interactions were assessed by measuring the physicochemical properties of the substrates and the changes in microbial community assembly. Although substrate type was identified as the main driver of rhizosphere microbiome diversity and community structure, a significant effect due to tree genotype was also detected, particularly for bacterial communities. Plant genotype also influenced aboveground tree growth and the physicochemical properties of the substrates. These results highlight the influence of balsam poplar genotype on the soil environment and the potential importance of tree genotype selection in the context of mine waste revegetation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document