Algae For Water Management In Tin Mines

A research project by scientists in the UK aims to use algae to treat water from a tin mine.

The project aims to accomplish this "whilst simultaneously producing biofuel and extracting heavy metals," according to Mining Innovation. Researchers from the universities in Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter are working on the project along with the Coal Authority and Veolia.

"They will grow algae in the water samples and determine to what extent the algae remove heavy metals and poisonous materials such as arsenic and cadmium," the report said in the report. "If successful, the researchers will attempt to extract the heavy metals for use in the electronics industry and convert the solid algae into biofuels."

The project will take place at a mine that has been closed for years. The Wheal Jane tin mine is near Truro.

"The mine was closed in 1992 and since then the Department for Food and Rural Affairs has funded a water treatment scheme to protect the River Fal from pollution," Western Morning News reported.

Chris Chuck of the University of Bath explained that the processes tested in this experiment could eventually have a wider set of applications.

“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. This technology could be applied to any type of mine or could even be used to clean up industrial effluent in the future," he said.

Research shows that the mine has posed environmental dangers over the years, but the government has made an effort to protect environmental waters.