Bioremediation of gold mine wastewater using fusarium oxysporum

Abstract

The legislative requirements for handling cyanide containing wastewater have become stringent internationally. Cyanide properties make it indispensable in the mining industry especially for gold recovery. The resultant wastewater generated is discarded to tailing ponds. Any leakages or total collapse of tailing ponds can result in the contamination of surface water bodies; endangering aquatic organisms’ and humans’ alike. The over reliance on physical and/or chemical treatment methods for cyanide wastewater treatment is not sustainable due to high input costs and the generation of by-products. A feasible alternative treatment method for cyanide contaminated wastewater is the biodegradation method, as a wide range of microorganisms can degrade cyanide. In this study, the cyanide biodegradation ability of Fusarium oxysporum was assessed in two stages.......