ABSTRACT

At present, the generation of wastewaters is rapidly increased with an increase in global population and industrial activities (Cenni et al. 2001). Acid mine drainage (AMD) rich in sulfate and heavy metals is one of the major sulfate-rich wastewater generated from mining industries. AMD is generated on subsequent weathering of waste rock, tailings, and surfaces exposed on mining. The AMD generated causes the acidification and contamination of the groundwater with heavy metals. When discharged untreated, it poses a threat to the quality of freshwater resources and consequently the well-being of humans and the environment at large. Its management thus requires attention (Naicker et al. 2003). Industrial activities such as flue-gas scrubbing, galvanic processes, battery, paint, and chemical manufacturing discharge effluents with similar characteristics also generates a large volume of sulfate-and metal-laden wastewaters (Jong and Parry 2003).