Anaerobic Bioremediation of Acid Mine Drainage Using Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Directions

Ditiro Mafane (), Tholiso Ngulube () and Mamasegare Mabel Mphahlele-Makgwane
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Ditiro Mafane: Department of Water and Sanitation, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Limpopo, Private Bag, X1106 Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Tholiso Ngulube: Department of Water and Sanitation, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Limpopo, Private Bag, X1106 Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Mamasegare Mabel Mphahlele-Makgwane: Department of Water and Sanitation, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Limpopo, Private Bag, X1106 Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-27

Abstract: Biological reduction of sulphates has gradually replaced unit chemical processes for the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD), which exerts a significant environmental impact due to its elevated acidity and high concentrations of heavy metals. Bioremediation is optimally suited for the treatment of AMD because it is cost-effective and efficient. Anaerobic bioremediation employing sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) presents a promising solution by facilitating the reduction of sulphate to sulphide. The formed can precipitate and immobilise heavy metals, assisting them in their removal from contaminated wastewater. This paper examines the current status of SRB-based bioremediation, with an emphasis on recent advances in microbial processes, reactor design, and AMD treatment efficiencies. Reviewed studies showed that SRB-based bioreactors can achieve up to 93.97% of sulphate reduction, with metal recovery rates of 95% for nickel, 98% for iron and copper, and 99% for zinc under optimised conditions. Furthermore, bioreactors that used glycerol and ethanol as a carbon source improved the efficiency of sulphate reduction, achieving a pH neutralisation from 2.8 to 7.5 within 14 days of hydraulic retention time. Despite the promising results achieved so far, several challenges remain. These include the need for optimal environmental conditions, the management of toxic hydrogen sulphide production, and the economic feasibility of large-scale applications. Future directions are proposed to address these challenges, focusing on the genetic engineering of SRB, integration with other treatment technologies, and the development of cost-effective and sustainable bioremediation strategies. Ultimately, this review provides valuable information to improve the efficiency and scalability of SRB-based remediation methods, contributing to more sustainable mining practices and environmental conservation. To ensure relevance and credibility, relevance and regency were used as criteria for the literature search. The literature sourced is directly related to the subject of the review, and the latest research, typically from the last 5 to 10 years, was prioritised.

Keywords: acid mine drainage; bioremediation; sulphate-reducing bacteria (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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