Importance of contact between Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and pyrite particles, in oxidation and dissolution processes

摘要

The role of contact between Thiobacillusferrooxidans and pyrite was investigated during leachingexperiments performed with a two compartment reactor thatallowed the separation of bacteria from mineral particles. Withbacterial contact, the optimal oxidation rate was three timesgreater and the density of corrosion pores on mineral surfacewas higher than without contact. Development of ferroussulphate on the mineral surface was also shown at the beginningand optimum of oxidation phase, while this phenomenon wasnot observed for pyrite oxidized chemically. These resultsunderlined the catalysing effect of attached bacteria, on pyrite oxidation.