Reduction of Iron(III) Ions at Elevated Pressure by Acidophilic Microorganisms

摘要

A composed mixed acidophilic, iron-oxidizing culture (FIGB) and a thermo-acidophilic enrichment culture (TK65) were used to evaluate microbial iron(III) reduction coupled to oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs) under high pressure. Experiments were done in batch culture in high pressure vessels at 1 and 100 bar. Microbial abundance and activity were determined by measuring iron(II) concentration, direct cell counting, T-RFLP and quantitative real-time PCR. The data indicate that both cultures are able to reduce soluble iron(III) by oxidation of sulfur compounds under anaerobic conditions. At high pressure (100 bar) these acidophiles were capable of growing and microbial ferric iron reduction was only partially inhibited. These results indicate that acidophiles can be barotolerant and their activities are contributing to sulfur and iron cycling in anaerobic environments including deep ore deposits which is highly relevant for in situ leaching operations.