Importance of extracellular polymeric substances from Thiobacillus ferrooxidans for bioleaching
Article Abstract:
Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans are two of the most important bioleaching mesophiles used in the extraction of metals from sulfidic ores. Key to the bioleaching process is the attachment of the bacteria onto the ores. This is done by means of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) found in the bacteria. An analysis of the chemical composition of the EPS revealed high concentrations of sugars and lipids. Nitrogen, phosphorus and free fatty acids were also found. Experiments also found an involvement of charge effects in the attachment mechanism.
Publication Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0099-2240
Year: 1998
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Sulfur chemistry in bacterial leaching of pyrite
Article Abstract:
Bacterial leaching of pyrite is accompanied by the production of intermediate sulphur compounds such as thiosulfate, trithionate, tetrathionate and disulfane-monosulfonic acid. In the case of Leptospirillum ferrooxidans, tetra- and pentathionate are produced and a large amount of elemental sulphur accumulates during pyrite leaching. However, lower amounts of elemental sulphur is detected during the pyrite leaching of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Tetrathionate, trithionate and thiosulfate are found to accumulate during oxidative pyrite degradation.
Publication Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0099-2240
Year: 1996
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Bacterial leaching of metal sulfides proceeds by two indirect mechanisms via thiosulfate or via polysulfides and sulfur
Article Abstract:
Thiosulfates or polysulfides can be used in the bacterial leaching of metal sulfides by Thiobacillus thiooxidans. Thiosulfates are the by-products of using iron(III) hexahydrate ions on acid-insoluble metal sulfides such as FeS2, MoS2 and WS2. Polysulfides result from reacting iron(III) ions and protons with other metal sulfides. Both thiosulfates and polysulfides are further oxidized to sulfuric acid or elemental sulfur.
Publication Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0099-2240
Year: 1999
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