Abstract
The mechanism of leaching chalcopyrite by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) in agar-simulated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) media was investigated. The results indicate that bacterial EPS can release H+ and concentrate Fe3+; Fe2+ is movable between agar-simulated EPS phase and bulk solution phase, but it is difficult for Fe3+ to move due to its hydroxylation and EPS complex action; A. ferrooxidans first prefer Fe2+ as energy to metabolize compared with chalcopyrite, and a suitable simulated EPS environment for bacterial living is at about pH 1.8; the iron precipitates and jarosites formed by a lot of biologically oxidized Fe3+ cover the simulated EPS easily and form an impermeable deposit acting as a limited barrier of ion transport that attenuates the aggressiveness of the bioleaching attack. The EPS layer blocked by iron precipitates or jarosites is responsible for the chalcopyrite passivation.
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Foundation item: Project(2010CB630900) supported by the National Basic Research Program of China; Project(50621063) supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China
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Yu, Rl., Tan, Jx., Gu, Gh. et al. Mechanism of bioleaching chalcopyrite by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in agar-simulated extracellular polymeric substances media. J. Cent. South Univ. Technol. 17, 56–61 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-010-0011-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-010-0011-9