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Electrobioleaching of base metal sulfides

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Abstract

Bioleaching of base metal sulfides, such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite, under the influence of applied direct current (DC) potentials is discussed. Contributions toward mineral dissolution from three effects, namely, galvanic, applied potential, and microbiological, are analyzed and compared. Sphalerite could be selectively bioleached in the presence ofThiobacillus ferrooxidans under an applied potential of −500 mV (SCE) from mixed sulfides containing sphalerite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. Bacterial activity and growth were found to be promoted under electrobioleaching conditions. Probable mechanisms involved in the bioleaching of different sulfides under positive and negative applied potentials are discussed.

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  1. Department of Metallurgy, Indian Institute of Science, 560 012, Bangalore, India

    K. A. Natarajan (Professor)

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  1. K. A. Natarajan
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Natarajan, K.A. Electrobioleaching of base metal sulfides. Metall Trans B 23, 5–11 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02654030

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