Abstract
Metal extraction produces a significant amount of mineral tailing, which has negligible economic value and their exploitation is not profitable and over time causes damage to the environment. One of the appropriate methods in increasing the efficiency of metal extraction from mineral tailing is the use of thermoacidophilic bacteria. This research aimed to isolate and identify thermoacidophilic bacteria from Sarcheshmeh low-grade copper ore and evaluate their copper bio-extraction process from mineral tailing. Based on the results obtained from the molecular analysis, the isolated strain belonged to Alicyclobacillus sp. with 99% similarity. The optimal condition for the bacterial cell growth was reported in medium with initial pH 2.00 at temperature of 55 °C. Under this condition, the highest copper bio-extraction in the medium with a pulp density of 5 g/mL, particle size 100 μm, initial pH 2.00, and the temperature of 55 °C was 60%. As a result, Alicyclobacillus sp. can be efficient in copper bio-extraction processes.
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We are proud to thank Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex Research Complex for their cooperation in advancing the goals of this study.
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FHS carried out the experiment. FHS wrote the manuscript with support from AAS, FR, MK, and SAA.
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Sohi, F.H., Sepahi, A.A., Rashchi, F. et al. Molecular identification of thermoacidophilic bacteria and its performance in bio-extraction of copper from mineral tailings. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 19, 8397–8406 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-022-04072-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-022-04072-4