Sulfidogenesis establishment under increasing metal and nutrient concentrations: An effective approach for biotreating sulfate-rich wastewaters using an innovative structured-bed reactor (AnSTBR)

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The accumulation of metal sulfide precipitates inside anaerobic reactors treating acid mine drainage (AMD) can harm the long-term operation of these systems and hampers metal recovery. In this context, an innovative anaerobic structured-bed reactor (AnSTBR) was applied in the treatment of lab-made AMD supplied with ethanol and gradual increases in metal (Mg, Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, Cu, Al and Mn) and nutrient (N, P and K) concentrations to both provide an efficient establishment of sulfidogenesis and prevent inhibition-related events. Sulfate-reducing conditions were successfully obtained, so the applied strategy may be used as a reference to startup full-scale AMD-treating biodigestion plants. Both the sulfidogenic activity and the organic matter conversion were maximized (sulfate and COD removal efficiencies of 83 and 90%, respectively) when dosing the highest metal concentrations. Establishing completely oxidizing sulfidogenic populations and the proper structured arrangement of the fixed-bed for biomass adhesion were determining aspects to obtain long-term stability.

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