Reductive Dissolution of Iron Oxides and Manganese Bioleaching by Acidiphilium Cryptum JF-5

摘要

In the development of new processes to use the potential of iron reducing bacteria, Acidiphilium cryptum, the main bacterium involved in the reduction of Fe(III) compounds in acidic environments, could play an important biohydrometallurgical role. Thus, the bioleaching of hematite, goethite and a low-grade manganese ore was assayed, in vials and columns, using three different media; two of which included a ligand, oxalate, or a redox mediator, thionine. Although the presence of A. cryptum was essential for promoting the dissolution of both iron oxides and the bioleaching of manganese ore, the addition of oxalate to the media enhanced the microbial dissolution of hematite and goethite, threefold and fourfold, respectively.