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Arsenopyrite and pyrite bioleaching: evidence from XPS, XRD and ICP techniques

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Abstract

In this work, a multi-technical bulk and surface analytical approach was used to investigate the bioleaching of a pyrite and arsenopyrite flotation concentrate with a mixed microflora mainly consisting of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray-induced Auger electron spectroscopy mineral surfaces investigations, along with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur determination (CHNS) analyses, were carried out prior and after bioleaching. The flotation concentrate was a mixture of pyrite (FeS2) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS); after bioleaching, 95% of the initial content of pyrite and 85% of arsenopyrite were dissolved. The chemical state of the main elements (Fe, As and S) at the surface of the bioreactor feed particles and of the residue after bioleaching was investigated by X-ray photoelectron and X-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy. After bioleaching, no signals of iron, arsenic and sulphur originating from pyrite and arsenopyrite were detected, confirming a strong oxidation and the dissolution of the particles. On the surfaces of the mineral residue particles, elemental sulphur as reaction intermediate of the leaching process and precipitated secondary phases (Fe–OOH and jarosite), together with adsorbed arsenates, was detected. Evidence of microbial cells adhesion at mineral surfaces was also produced: carbon and nitrogen were revealed by CHNS, and nitrogen was also detected on the bioleached surfaces by XPS. This was attributed to the deposition, on the mineral surfaces, of the remnants of a bio-film consisting of an extra-cellular polymer layer that had favoured the bacterial action.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express their appreciation to Prof. Cristina Trois, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, for her kind assistance with the purchase and shipment of the commercial pyrite/arsenopyrite concentrate sample of the Fairview Plant. They also wish to thank the Management of the Fairview Mine for granting permission to purchase the concentrate. This research was carried out with the financial support of the University of Cagliari and of the Italian Ministry for Education, Universities and Research in the framework of the Research Project of National relevance. Finally, the patience and skilful cooperation of the Technicians of the Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry Department of the University of Cagliari are worthy of being acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Chimica Inorganica e Analitica, INSTM Research Unit, Centro Grandi Strumenti Università di Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy

    Marzia Fantauzzi, Cristina Licheri, Davide Atzei, Bernhard Elsener & Antonella Rossi

  2. Department of Medical Sciences Mario Aresu, Università di Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy

    Giovanni Loi

  3. Department of Geoengineering and Environmental Technologies, Università di Cagliari, 09100, Cagliari, Italy

    Giovanni Rossi

  4. Dipartimento di Chimica Inorganica ed Analitica, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09100, Cagliari, Italy

    Antonella Rossi

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  1. Marzia Fantauzzi
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  2. Cristina Licheri
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  3. Davide Atzei
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  4. Giovanni Loi
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  5. Bernhard Elsener
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  6. Giovanni Rossi
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  7. Antonella Rossi
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Correspondence to Antonella Rossi.

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Fantauzzi, M., Licheri, C., Atzei, D. et al. Arsenopyrite and pyrite bioleaching: evidence from XPS, XRD and ICP techniques. Anal Bioanal Chem 401, 2237–2248 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5300-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5300-0

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