Date of Award
2011
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
Department
Environmental Applied Science and Management
First Advisor
Gideon Wolfaardt
Abstract
The high pH (~10) and elevated concentration of metals and oxyanions such as As, Fe, Ni, Mo and Se in the Deilmann tailings management facility (DTMF) presents a highly selective environment for microorganisms. The objective of this study was to assess the potential for metal and ion solubilization by the indigenous mixed microbial community in both optimum (high carbon) and in-situ (low carbon alkaline environment) conditions in terms of bulk pH and redox potential in order to satisfy the requirement for calculating long term stability. A flow-cell system was developed in order to monitor the extent of microbial metal reduction as well as determine biofilm formation by tailings-isolated mixed communities. The microbial consortium isolated from the DTMF has shown the ability to reduce ferric iron for energy conservation under both carbon conditions.
Recommended Citation
Guran, Virgil C., "First steps in assessing microbial involvement in the geochemical evolution of uranium mine tailings : evaluation of iron reduction potential, biofilm formation and community heterogeneity" (2011). Theses and dissertations. Paper 704.
http://digitalcommons.ryerson.ca/dissertations/704