EXPERIMENTAL MODELING OF INTERPHASE AND BACTERIA INTERACTIONS IN HEAVY METAL AND AS POLLUTED AREA

4th International Scientific Conference - SGEM2004, www.sgem.org, SGEM2004 Conference Proceedings/ ISBN: 954-918181-2, June 14-18, 2004, 417- 430pp

ABSTRACT

Experimental modeling with the aim of elucidation of the geochemical behaviour of heavy
metal pollutants (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Mn, Fe) and As during interphase processes in
metallurgy contaminated area are carried out in 3 aspects: I. Water-soil interaction chemical
simulation: 3D –lixiviation of soils and acid rain impact modeling, revealing consequences for
a secondary remobilization and increasing the environmental risk for groundwater,
vegetables, etc. II. Sorption ability of soils with fixing possibilities, concerning metal
pollutants and As and existence of geochemical barriers against the penetration in the
aquifers. The most polluted soils in the Pb-Zn smelter vicinity present decreasing of the
sorption capability and some “permeability”. III. The experimental simulation of water-waste
clinker interaction indicates very active elution of heavy metals and As, causing a significant
secondary contamination of surface and groundwaters, soils and sediments. Heavy metalbacteria
interactions play a significant role in migration and detoxication of the metal
pollutants in the area by biotransformation. The basic importance for understanding the biogeo-
chemical processes and a perspective for low-cost bacteria-based bioremediation of
heavy metal pollution of waters and soils are shown.