The potential of acidophilic macroalgae as part of passive bioremediation technology for acid mine drainage in constructed wetlands

Abstract

The properties of acid mine drainage (AMD) render water resources less habitable to various biota, hence waters that receive AMD are often characterised by very low biodiversity and the flora and fauna become dominated by highly tolerant organisms and acidophilic biota. Due to the adverse effects accompanying AMD, sensitive species are systematically reduced or eliminated. The purpose of the studywas to investigate the bioaccumulation of metals and trace metal loads in algae exposed to AMD generated from gold and coal mining activities under different environmental conditions. This study shows that certain species of benthic filamentous algae can play an important role as part of passive treatment technology by absorbing metals under different environmental conditions.