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Microbial Processes for Potential in Situ Remediation of Acidic Lakes

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Acidic Mining Lakes

Part of the book series: Environmental Science ((ENVSCIENCE))

Abstract

Natural acidification originates, for example, from humic substances which are of significance in a number of water bodies. However, fresh-water systems are anthropogenically polluted by atmospheric acid deposition and even more by mining activity. The water bodies exposed to acid precipitation usually have a pH value in the range of 4–5, whereas acid mine drainage may cause a drop in pH value down to 2. Both types of pollution result in increased concentrations of acidity, sulfate and metals. Nevertheless, there are a number of chemical reactions that can moderate acidification. These include the buffering capacity of the water body as well as ion exchange reactions with colloidal materials. In addition, there are several biological processes with the potential of reducing the acidity of contaminated water bodies. These reactions may temporarily or permanently be responsible for neutralization. The biological reactions which may be of significance are oxygen reduction (photosynthesis), nitrate reduction (denitrification), manganese and iron reduction and sulfate reduction. In addition, there are others having minor or indirect effects, such as amino acid fermentation or methanogenesis. These reduction processes increase alkalinity and thus lead to the neutralization of the water (Mills et al. 1989).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Inland Water Research, UFZ Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig-Halle, Am Biederitzer Busch 12, 39114, Magdeburg, Germany

    K. Wendt-Potthoff & T. R. Neu

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  1. K. Wendt-Potthoff
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  2. T. R. Neu
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Inland Water Research, UFZ Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle plc, Am Biederitzer Busch 12, D-39114, Magdeburg, Germany

    Walter Geller  & Helmut Klapper  & 

  2. GKSS Research Centre, Max-Planck-Strasse, D-21502, Geesthacht, Germany

    Wim Salomons

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© 1998 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Wendt-Potthoff, K., Neu, T.R. (1998). Microbial Processes for Potential in Situ Remediation of Acidic Lakes. In: Geller, W., Klapper, H., Salomons, W. (eds) Acidic Mining Lakes. Environmental Science. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-71954-7_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-71954-7_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-71956-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-71954-7

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