Challenges regarding the start-up of an anaerobic biological sulphate reactor using H2 and CO2 as electron donor and carbon sources

Abstract

Include neutralization and chemical precipitation as well as membrane dependent processes. Biological sulphate reduction is another, environmentally benign option but relies heavily on the availability of an economically viable electron donor and energy source. Synthesis gas, comprise of H2 the preferred electron donor of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB), CO2 a carbon source and CO and is available from coal-burning processes. Biological sulphate reduction technology using synthesis gas should also benefit from MBR technology which allows high density biomass with long sludge age and the simultaneous removal of HS-, a potential inhibitor of biological sulphate reduction. With the large volumes of AMD currently being generated in both active and closed mining operations in Gauteng as well as Mpumalanga, the development of cost effective sulphate reduction technologies carries a high priority. Combining biological sulphate reduction with MBR technology may provide a high rate, cost effective method for the remediation of surface waters with high dissolved sulphate content.