Hi Tamsyn, The efficiency of biological processes using organisms (bacteria) depends on local circumstances. This means you would have to control and monitor (24x7) environmental circumstances, such as temperature, pH, pollutants. If you are using "ACID mine ​drainage" water, bacteria may be unsuitable.   A more expensive, but more RELIABLE method, could be using reversed osmosis. This does require a lot of energy (electricity) and it gives you pure water (other salts are also removed). It does not need much space, even for large capacity. Both small and large devices are available. In Holland these machines are used in commercial horticulture to remove surplus salts from water, so the water can be recycled for growing plants. To save budget consider buying a second hand reversed osmosis system. Contact lenntech.nl for more info. Note: The amount of sulphates on earth is limited; it is being overexploited. Therefore, sulphates may offer you a source of income (in future). This may help you to develop a solid financial plan.

Published February 15, 2017 09:58 by Ed van Paassen, MSc. Bsc. Horticulture / Plant Breeding - Looking for opportunity