Geochemical behavior and stabilization of spent sulfate-reducing biofilter mixtures for treatment of acid mine drainage

Sulfate-reducing biofilters operated in semi-passive or passive modes constitute an approach of choice for treatment of acidic mining effluents. The aim of the present study involved examining the behavior of biofilters after use based on two modes of management, namely in unsaturated and saturated media. Two acidophilic biofilters were investigated following their mixing with different alkaline industrial residues (i.e., 25% fly ash biomass or 30% aluminum red mud, or 10% kiln dust). Percolation column tests for a 330-d period indicated that aluminum red mud and lime kiln dust (to a lesser extent) are efficient materials for maintaining the pH neutrality of biofilter leachate and to reduce release of metals (i.e., Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in spent biofilters. The storage of biofilters in saturated mode also makes it possible to preserve the reducing conditions of the environment and neutrality of the pH and to limit the dissolution of the solution of cadmium, nickel and zinc. Conversely, increased iron release is noted under saturated conditions. Finally, the results indicated that a mixture of biofilters and lime kiln dust is preferable to surface addition of these to reduce the loss of metals in leachates.