Managing acid mine drainage in northern Australia using microbial mats

对于采矿业来说，最棘手的环境问题之一是酸性矿山废水(AMD)，它可能导致严重的环境破坏。该项目旨在识别微生物，并描述它们在澳大利亚北部AMD形成过程中的作用。我们将利用我们的新知识来设计和试验治疗AMD的微生物垫。一项成功的AMD微生物处理技术将把酸性径流和金属渗入河流和地下水的风险降至最低。我们在热带地区开发的AMD治疗技术，在那里我们经历了极端的旱季和湿季，只需要很小的修改就可以在温带气候下运行，但情况并非如此。

One of the most difficult environmental issues for the mining industry is acid mine drainage (AMD) that can lead to significant environmental damage. This project aims to identify microbes and characterise their roles in AMD formation in north Australia. We will use our new knowledge to design and trial microbial mats for the treatment of AMD. A successful AMD microbial treatment technology will minimise the risk of acid runoff and metal seepage into rivers and through groundwater. AMD treatment technology we develop in the tropics where we experience the extremes of dry and wet seasons will require only minor modification to operate in temperate climates however the reverse is not true.