Bioremediation of acid mine drainage using algae strains: A review

• Published in: South African journal of chemical engineering Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 62 - 70
• Main Authors: Bwapwa, J.K., Jaiyeola, A.T., Chetty, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2017; South African Institution of Chemical Engineers (SAIChE); Elsevier
• Subjects: Acid mine drainage; Algae strains; Bioremediation; Contamination; Heavy metals; Algae strains; Bioremediation; Acid mine drainage; Contamination; Heavy metals
• ISSN: 1026-9185
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sajce.2017.06.005

Acid mine drainage (AMD) causes massive environmental concerns worldwide. It is highly acidic and contains high levels of heavy metals causing environmental damage. Conventional treatment methods may not be effective for AMD. The need for environmental remediation requires cost effective technologies for efficient removal of heavy metals. In this study, algae based systems were reviewed and analyzed to point out the potentials and gaps for future studies. Algae strains such as Spirulina sp., Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Cladophora, Oscillatoria, Anabaena, Phaeodactylum tricornutum have showed the capacity to remove a considerable volume of heavy metals from AMD. They act as “hyper-accumulators” and “hyper-adsorbents” with a high selectivity for different elements. In addition, they generate high alkalinity which is essential for precipitation of heavy metals during treatment. However, algae based methods of abating AMD are not the ultimate solution to the problem and there is room for more studies. •Algae are great accumulators, absorbents and adsorbents with a high selectivity for pollutants.•They generate high alkalinity which is essential for precipitation of heavy metals.•They are potentially efficient for the removal of heavy metals in AMD. The bioremediation of acid mine drainage is achievable with the use of microalgae.