The potential of the duckweed Lemna minor in acid mine drainage : impact assessment and treatment

Abstract

Acid mine drainage is a pollutant of global concern. Mining is an ancient activity that has resulted in countless abandoned mining sites due to poor regulation. There are abandoned sites all over the world generating AMD constantly with drastic environmental implications. In most cases, treatment of these sites is not financially viable and therefore no action is taken. This can pose a serious risk for human health as well, if the pollutant comes into contact with a drinking water supply. The goal of this research was to evaluate the potential of the duckweed Lemna minor for use as a simple, cost-effective, passive method for both assessing the impact of acid mine drainage in surface waters and for its treatment. This was achieved in four phases of research.