Harnessing Bio-Modified Coal Gangue for Sustainable Mine Wastewater Remediation

Researchers from Wuhan Donghu University have made significant breakthroughs in developing a sustainable approach to mine wastewater remediation. The study, which has been peer-reviewed, explores the potential of bio-modified coal gangue (MCG) in treating mine wastewater contaminated with heavy metals and sulfates. The findings suggest that bio-modification can significantly improve the gangue's physicochemical properties, enhancing its adsorption capacity for both sulfates and heavy metals. Key factors influencing performance include temperature, pH, and particle size, with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)-modified gangue in activated sludge demonstrating superior adaptability and stability across varying conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Bio-modified coal gangue (MCG) can effectively remediate mine wastewater contaminated with heavy metals and sulfates.
• The study demonstrates that bio-modification can significantly improve the gangue's physicochemical properties, enhancing its adsorption capacity for both sulfates and heavy metals.
• Sulfate removal was primarily driven by microbial activity, with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in activated sludge producing removal efficiencies of up to 58.49%.
• Heavy metals, including mercury, antimony, copper, and arsenic, were effectively reduced to levels meeting regulatory standards.
• The study highlights the dual benefits of MCG in addressing wastewater treatment and coal gangue utilization.
• Key factors influencing performance include temperature, pH, and particle size.
• SRB-modified gangue in activated sludge demonstrated superior adaptability and stability across varying conditions.

Statistics:

• Up to 58.49% sulfate removal efficiency was achieved using SRB-modified gangue in activated sludge.
• Heavy metals, including mercury, antimony, copper, and arsenic, were reduced to levels meeting regulatory standards.
• The study used bio-modified coal gangue (MCG) as a sustainable solution for remediating mine wastewater.
• The research explored the potential of MCG in addressing wastewater treatment and coal gangue utilization.
• The study was conducted by researchers at Wuhan Donghu University.

Sources:

• Wuhan Donghu University, College of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Wuhan, 430212, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
• Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 Gz Dordrecht, Netherlands (Publisher of Environmental Geochemistry and Health).
• NewsRx. Findings on Sustainability Research Reported by Researchers at Wuhan Donghu University (Harnessing bio-modified coal gangue for mine wastewater remediation: a sustainable approach). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. August 29, 2025; p 162.