Enhanced biotreatability of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated mining waste coupled with the attenuation of acid drainage production.

A biostimulation study was conducted on mining waste residue with nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) and/or liming agent (ash or CaCO ) amendment to assess petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) biodegradation efficiency by indigenous microorganisms. Compounds accumulated and/or released by treated samples were also monitored to determine the potential for acid mine drainage production during biostimulation. The potential for natural attenuation (i.