Pilot-scale testing of a passive water treatment system for Kumtor gold mine demonstrates beneficial microbes mediate treatment of ammonia produced from cyanide destruction
Pilot-scale testing validated site-specific design of treatment wetlands for ammonia. Ammonia resulting from cyanide destruction is treatable by passive means. Greatest amounts of ammonia treatment were associated with highest abundance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria. Extent of treatment was independent of hydraulic retention times tested.