Waste from Biodiesel Manufacturing as an Inexpensive Carbon Source for Bioreactors Treating Acid Mine Drainage

Abstract.  Alcohol-fed, semi-passive bioreactors have been used to support the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) for treatment of acid drainage from mine sites. An alcohol source not previously examined for use in these reactors is the glycerol-methanol waste remaining after the production of biodiesel fuel. In the laboratory, rock-filled columns were used to investigate biodiesel waste (BDW) as a carbon source for SRB. Columns were provided with water containing 900 mg/L sulfate, and fed reagent-grade glycerol or BDW in sufficient quantity to reduce 50% of the sulfate. Addition of 246 mg/L of reagent-grade glycerol resulted in 50% sulfate reduction and production of up to 59 mg/L of soluble sulfide, while the equivalent of 246 mg/L of glycerol provided as BDW resulted in 55% sulfate reduction and the production of up to 92 mg/L of soluble sulfide. During the initial stages of acclimation, propionic, acetic, formic, and lactic acids were observed. Acid concentrations were reduced over time in the effluent, and organic carbon in the BDW was nearly completely converted to carbon dioxide.