Assessment of Environmental Effects due to Mining Activities and Examining Solutions to Exposure with it

Mining activities lead to the production of large amounts of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni). Concentrations higher than the standard values will have harmful effects on the environment and the normal functioning of systems and organisms where these elements accumulate. One of the major destructive results of these activities is the contamination of underground water due to the accumulation of mine tailings. If the tailings are not properly controlled and managed, their harmful substances enter the surface and underground waters and pollute the area. In last years, the use of biotechnology achievements and especially microorganisms in order to remove heavy metals and their compounds has been very effective. Depending on the intensity of pollution, the cell structure of these microorganisms may be changed to the extent that they can tolerate higher concentrations of heavy metals. In other words, they can adapt to higher concentrations.