Finding the rare native microbes that effectively remediate mining byproducts
The Challenge
The mining industry is necessary for extracting natural resources that are critical to maintaining societal functions. But it often leaves behind environmentally harmful byproducts like tailings, acid rock drainage, and slurry. These waste materials may be loaded with toxic levels of metals or other pollutants that can contaminate soil, water, and air, negatively affecting the ecosystem and human health.
Traditional methods of dealing with mining byproducts often involve physical processes or chemical treatments, which can be expensive, resource-intensive, limited in their scope and effectiveness, and may themselves produce byproducts that are harmful to the environment.
There is a clear and urgent need for novel solutions that can effectively remediate the unwanted chemicals produced by mining in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
The Solution
Native microbes with unique metabolic capabilities can be used to remediate harmful mining byproducts. The majority of microbes have not yet been discovered. Identifying these specific microbes and harnessing their metabolic potential by implementing targeted growth strategies can serve as an effective and ecologically friendly bioremediation strategy.
Microbes have the natural ability to process and neutralize pollutants. The harshness of many mining environments can act as a unique selection pressure on the microbial community. These microbes, found in the very environments affected by mining activities, have evolved to thrive in these harsh conditions by developing metabolic pathways that allow them to process and neutralize pollutants like heavy metals and chemicals. We can help you put them to work!
Koonkie’s Approach
Koonkie's team of biologists, bioinformaticians, and computer scientists have the highly-specific expertise required to identify these rare microbes with beneficial metabolic capabilities. Koonkie uses DNA sequencing to decode which microbes are present in samples and sorts through huge amounts of data to find the organisms with relevant metabolic pathways for remediation. This method can serve as a more efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly reclamation strategy.
Want to learn more? Reach out to services@koonkie.com to schedule a consultation.
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