Identifying limitations to the establishment of microbial communities and sustainable nutrient cycling in bauxite residue sand under rehabilitation.

澳大利亚是世界上最大的铝土矿生产国。将铝土矿提炼成铝的过程中，每3吨铝土矿就会产生2吨残渣，这造成了一个重大的残渣管理问题。残渣处理区的修复对于减少对环境和周围社区的影响至关重要，最终目的是在关闭该设施后创造一个可持续的生态系统。这项研究将对铝土矿渣砂中微生物群落的建立以及控制微生物生存和功能的因素提供详细的了解。研究结果将有助于在澳大利亚和国际上制定改进的铝土矿残渣修复方案和战略。

Australia is the world's largest producer of bauxite. The process of refining bauxite to aluminium generates 2 t of residue for every 3 t of bauxite, creating a major residue management issue. Rehabilitation of residue disposal areas is critical for reducing impacts on the environment and surrounding community and ultimately aims to create a sustainable ecosystem following closure of the facility. This research will provide a detailed understanding of the establishment of microbial communities and the factors controlling the survival and functioning of microorganisms in bauxite residue sand. The outcomes will aid the development of improved protocols and strategies for bauxite residue rehabilitation in Australia and internationally.