Biofilm remediation of acid mine drainage
US8480902B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/30
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of prevention of acid rock drainage excludes oxygen from waste rocks that contain ferrous sulfides by building an oxygen bio-barrier over exposed surfaces of the waste rock. The bio-barrier may be formed by applying a slurry to the rock. The slurry may contain several components such as microbial material, one or more nutrients, water or another fluid, and optionally water-absorbent material. The microbial material may include bacteria, algae, fungi or a combination thereof. Additionally, the slurry may contain one or more acid-neutralizing compounds, one or more cellulose-containing substances, and one or more UV protecting agents.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.