Acid Mine Drainage is Caused Primarily by the Microbial Genus

Question

Acid mine drainage is caused primarily by the microbial genus
A) Thalassiosira.
B) Leptothrix.
C) Prochlorococcus.
D) Acidithiobacillus.
E) Desulfovibrio.

Accepted Answer

Acid mine drainage is caused primarily by the microbial genus Acidithiobacillus, which oxidizes sulfide minerals in mine tailings, producing sulfuric acid as a byproduct. This acid then leaches metals and other pollutants from the surrounding rock, leading to acidic and contaminated water.