Algae to Recycle Metals and Produce Biofuel from Contaminated Mine Water

University of Bath researchers are developing a process in algae that will be used to clean up contaminated water at a former tin mine, while also recycling heavy metals as well as produce biofuels.

Researchers are to take untreated mine water samples from Wheal Jane tin mine in Cornwall into the laboratory and grow algae in them. The research will explore if algae is effective in removing toxic materials from the mine water. The project will also study the conversion of the algae into a solid from which precious heavy metals could possibly be extracted and recycled. The remaining solid waste will then be used to make biofuels.

"It's a win-win solution to a significant environmental problem. We're putting contaminated water in and taking out valuable metals, clean water and producing fuel," commented Dr. Chris Chuck, a research fellow from the University of Bath's Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies. "This technology could be applied to any type of mine or could even be used to clean up industrial effluent in the future," continued Chuck.