Next-Generation Remediation of Polluted Mine Water: Innovations in Microbial Engineering and Integrated Treatment Systems

Abstract This review presents a restructured perspective on acid mine drainage (AMD) bioremediation by focusing on innovations in microbial biotechnology and integrated bio-treatment systems. The objective is to identify emerging scalable and eco-efficient approaches for mitigating AMD through advanced biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques. Emphasis is placed on the synergistic role of microbial consortia, typically featuring sulphate-reducing bacteria and carbon source optimisation to enhance metal removal and sulphate reduction. Integrated and hybrid AMD treatment methods show high removal efficiencies for metals, sulphates, nitrate and selenium, including integrated anaerobic bioreactors and constructed wetlands (30–99%), combined bioaugmentation and biostimulation (47–96%), and multi-sequential systems (60–99%). These approaches offer site-specific adaptability, environmental resilience, and cost-effective solutions for sustainable AMD remediation. Additionally, this review analyses critical parameters affecting performance, including pH, temperature, metal toxicity, and hydraulic retention time. Ultimately, it provides an outlook on biotechnological strategies that integrate microbial engineering, waste beneficiation, and process optimisation to redefine the landscape of AMD remediation. Graphical Abstract