Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
Published on: December 30, 2021
Evaluation of the toxic and genotoxic potential of acid mine drainage using physicochemical parameters and bioassays
E Netto1, R A Madeira, F Z Silveira
1LADEBIMA - Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Biomateriais e Materiais Antimicrobianos, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
Abstract:
Carboniferous activity generates acid mine drainage (AMD) which is capable of unleashing toxic effects on the exposed biota. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic and genotoxic potential of untreated-AMD and AMD treated with calcinated sediment, using physicochemical parameters and bioassays. Results revealed that untreated-AMD presented low pH values and elevated concentrations of the metals Fe, Al, Mn, Zn and Cu. High acute toxicity was observed in Artemia sp. and Daphnia magna, and sub-chronic toxicity and genotoxicity in Allium cepa L. as well as scission of plasmid DNA exposed to untreated-AMD. Treatment of AMD with calcinated sediment promoted the reduction of acidity and the removal of metals, as well as a reduction in toxic and genotoxic effects. In conclusion, the calcinated sediment can be used as an alternative AMD treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Acid Mine Drainage
Microbial Leaching
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium

