Acid Mine Drainage: The Stubborn Pollution Problem We Can Outsmart!

Video Engineering 2025 Graduate Exhibition

Presentation by Priyasha Fernando

Exhibition Number 533

Abstract

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a long-standing environmental issue, contaminating water with toxic metals and extreme acidity. Conventional treatment methods rely on chemical additives, generating excess sludge that requires disposal. This research explores Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs) as a sustainable alternative, using electroactive microbes to recover metals while generating clean hydrogen energy. MECs harness microbial metabolism to drive electrochemical reactions, extracting metals such as aluminum, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and nickel while gradually increasing pH due to hydrogen gas production. Unlike traditional treatment systems that require constant chemical input, MECs operate with minimal external power, as microbes handle most of the work. Experimental results demonstrated that MECs successfully remove metals, reduce sludge production, and increase pH, offering a dual benefit of pollution removal and resource recovery. The recovered metals have potential applications in electronics, medical devices, and renewable energy infrastructure, reducing the need for additional mining. Beyond remediation, this system can be tuned for selective metal recovery, offering future flexibility to optimize conditions for extracting specific elements. Additionally, the reactor can be scaled and upgraded with improved electrode materials to enhance hydrogen production and metal extraction efficiency. This research presents a breakthrough in AMD treatment, shifting from waste disposal to resource recovery and clean energy production. MECs pave the way for a circular economy, transforming a persistent pollution problem into an opportunity for sustainability.

Importance

Acid Mine Drainage is a severe environmental threat, polluting waterways with toxic metals and acidity. Conventional treatment methods require chemical additives, generate excess sludge, and require landfill disposal. This research presents MECs as a game-changing solution, harnessing microbes to remove metals, neutralize acidity, and produce clean energy. The ability to recover valuable metals instead of discarding them has far-reaching implications for renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. This approach shifts wastewater treatment from pollution control to resource recovery, reducing environmental impact while contributing to a sustainable, circular economy. By integrating biotechnology with electrochemistry, this study challenges traditional AMD treatment and introduces a future-ready, low-waste alternative for industry and communities.

DEI Statement

This research promotes environmental equity by addressing Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), a worldwide pollution issue affecting mining-impacted regions. Many communities near abandoned mines face long-term water contamination, impacting local ecosystems and water access. Traditional AMD treatment is expensive and generates large amounts of waste, making sustainable alternatives essential. By developing Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs), this research offers a low-waste, energy-efficient solution that can be adapted to different AMD sites. Additionally, recovering valuable metals from AMD supports a more sustainable, global supply chain, reducing dependence on new mining. This work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to clean water access, pollution reduction, and resource recovery—ensuring a healthier environment for present and future generations.