Nordic Algae Research for Passive Wastewater Treatment in the Mining Industry (NARMIN)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Luleå tekniska universitet Inst f samhällsbygg & naturresurser |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 993 662 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Purpose and goal
The project aims to develop a final passive water treatment method using microalgae to remove heavy metals from mine wastewater. Therefore, the experiment will involve the characterization of a recipient lake in terms of metal concentration and initial algae population during two seasons. The project will identify local algae populations and compare their growth rates and cleaning efficiency against specially selected “superspecies” of algae.
Expected effects and result
The quantification of heavy metals uptake by microalgae will provide valuable data on the effectiveness of using algae-based treatment systems. Insights from this research will inform future designs of wastewater treatment plants, emphasizing the role of biological processes in environmental remediation. All results from this study will create the base for a full-scale, long-term study, finally resulting in the implementation of geo-bio-remediation on the green side of a planned graphite mine.
Planned approach and implementation
The project consists of four work packages. First a geo-biological characterization of the lake. Secondly, heavy metal adsorption and removal experiments in the laboratory using several Nordic microalgae. In the third step, heavy metal adsorption and removal tests with the best-performing algae will be carried out in water from the lake. The last work package carries out a microcosm study installed in the lake using different fertilizers to establish if algal growth can be stimulated in situ.