Microbial treatment of mining wastewater - Fadzai Kadzinga
Channel: Future Water Institute, University of Cape Town
Date: 2021-09-16

I investigate how we can use fundamental knowledge to design microbial systems that are context-appropriate for the treatment of wastewater from gold mineral processing. My research supports the achievement of UN SDGs 6 and 12 by contributing towards sustainable patterns of consumption and production, and reduced uptake or pollution of fresh water. 
Gold mining is important to Africa’s economy and to the livelihood of a significant number of its citizens. Thiocyanate is a toxic by-product found in wastewater from the gold mining industry. Microorganisms in bioreactors have been used successfully, amongst other methods of treatment, to break down thiocyanate in these wastewater streams. Recent research has also provided new insight into the diverse and intricate microbial communities present in thiocyanate-degrading bioreactors. I relate findings from these studies to the performance of the bioreactor and propose improved systems.  The systems are developed based on the fundamental understanding of key microorganisms found to be responsible for thiocyanate degradation, as well as reactor design principles. 
Making informed choices in design gives us systems that are more suited to adoption by industry. Thus, establishing Africa as a key player in technology while substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.