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The effect of xanthate floatation reagents on bacterial leaching of chalcopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

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Summary

Xanthate floatation compounds, added to cultures of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans leaching chalcopyrite, inhibited growth in the concentration range 1–10 mM and caused a drop in formation of soluble copper and iron. Maximum (80–90%) growth inhibition was at 10 mM for isobutyl-, amyl- and ethyl xanthate while isopropyl xanthate was innocuous but caused a four-fold increase in lag phase. Copper production was depressed by 30% for isopropyl-, 53% for isobutyl-, ethyl- and 77% for amyl xanthate at 10 mM additions.

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References

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Loon, H.Y., Madgwick, J. The effect of xanthate floatation reagents on bacterial leaching of chalcopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans . Biotechnol Lett 17, 997–1000 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00127442

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00127442

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