Biodegradation of thiocyanate by a native groundwater microbial consortium

Abstract

Gold ore processing typically generates large amounts of thiocyanate (SCN-)-contaminated effluent. When this effluent is stored in unlined tailings dams, contamination of the underlying aquifer can occur. The potential for bioremediation of SCN--contaminated groundwater, either in situ or ex situ, remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to enrich and characterise SCN--degrading microorganisms from mining-contaminated groundwater under a range of culturing conditions. Mildly acidic and suboxic groundwater, containing ∼135 mg L-1 SCN-, was collected from an aquifer below an unlined tailings dam. An SCN--degrading consortium was enriched from contaminated groundwater using combinatory amen..