Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

, Volume 40, Issue 2–3, pp 421–426 | Cite as

Controlled microbiological in-situ stope leaching of a sulphidic ore

  • Wolfgang Sand
  • Regine Hallmann
  • Katrin Rohde
  • Birgit Sobotke
  • Sussane Wentzien
Environmental Biotechnology
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:

Abstract

A mixed culture of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, T. thiooxidans, and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans was used for inoculation of a sulphidic ore body for a bacterial in-situ stope-leaching experiment in the Ilba mine in Romania. The ore body was inoculated with 107 cells/g ore. Measurements at six main sites of the ore body indicated that microbial leaching was started by the inoculation. After about 8 weeks, sufficient microbial activity was measurable only in the upper third of the ore body. Due to the angle of incidence of the ore (75°), the leach liquor percolated only through the upper part leaving two-thirds humidified unsatisfactorily. The leach results, metal mobilization, indicated that by inoculation with the indigenous microorganisms efficient leaching was achieved. Metal output after 18 months of operation amounted to 10% of Cu and 78% of Zn. In the winter months energy for aeration and circulation was not available and this was reflected by reduced values for microbial activity, temperature, and daily metal output. The biological metal mobilisation after 18 months of operation was as active as at the beginning. Cu was mobilised predominantly by microbial leaching whereas Zn was leached mainly by chemical reactions. Both mechanisms contributed equally to iron output.

Keywords

Leaching Aeration Microbial Activity Romania Percolate 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1993

Authors and Affiliations

  • Wolfgang Sand
    • 1
  • Regine Hallmann
    • 1
  • Katrin Rohde
    • 1
  • Birgit Sobotke
    • 1
  • Sussane Wentzien
    • 1
  1. 1.Institut für Allgemeine Botanik, Abteilung MikrobiologieUniversität HamburgHamburgGermany

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