Bioelectrochemical Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage forSimultaneous Energy and Mineral Recovery and Ecosystem Restoration

This project will focus on revitalizing communities (Goal 6) and preventing environmental contamination (Objective 6.2). The objective of the project is to develop a bioelectrochemical process to treat acid mine drainage (AMD) for simultaneous contaminant removal, energy production, resources recovery, and ecosystem restoration. A microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) will be used as a chemical-free and hydrogen-generating technology to invert the high chemical and energy consumption paradigm of current active AMD treatment approaches. The precipitates collected from the MEC will be purified for critical mineral extraction. A solar-powered prototype will be built to demonstrate the application in rural areas, which are often the communities most impacted by legacy mining activities.