Analysis of the microbial community associated with a bioprocess system for bioremediation of thiocyanate- and cyanide-laden mine water effluents
Journal Article
2015-11
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
Advanced Materials Research
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Trans Tech Publications
Publisher
University of Cape Town
License
Series
Abstract
Gold extraction by cyanidation from refractory gold ores results in the formation of thiocyanate- and cyanide-contaminated wastewater effluents that must be treated before recycle or discard. Activated sludge processes, such as ASTERâ„¢, can be used for biodegradation of these effluent streams. The destruction of these compounds is catalyzed by a mixed microbial culture, however, very little is known about the community composition and metabolic potential of the thiocyanate- and cyanide-degrading microorganisms within the community. Here we describe our on-going attempts to better understand the key microorganisms, within the ASTERâ„¢ bioprocess, that contribute to the destruction of thiocyanate and cyanide, and how this knowledge relates to further process optimisation.
Description
Reference:
Huddy R., Kantor R., van Zyl A.W., van Hille R.P., Banfield J. and Harrison S.T.L. (2015). Analysis of the microbial community associated with a bioprocess system for bioremediation of thiocyanate- and cyanide-laden mine water effluents. Advanced Materials Research, Biotechnologies in Mining Industry and Environmental Engineering, Volume 1130, 614-617