REMOVAL OF Cu, Fe, Ni AND Zn IONS FROM WATERS WITH MICROBIAL PRODUCED HYDROGEN SULFIDE

Acid waters with pH in the range at about 1,8 - 1,9 and content of Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn in equimolar concentrations (each of 15 mM) were treated by means of a laboratory installation. The removal of the heavy metals was realized in a chemical reactor due to biogenic H2S. The pollutants precipitated in settler in forms of relevant insoluble sulphides. The hydrogen sulfide was obtained through the biofilm of sulphate-redu cing bacteria, adhered to solid substrate - zeolite in anaerobic bioreactor. Bacteria were cultivated on a medium containing lactate as a carbon and energy source in concentration 12,0 g/l and sulphate - 6,0 g/l. The concentration of investigated ions of heavy metals decreased below the permeable level for water intended for use in the agriculture and/or industry.