Effect of amino acids on bioleaching of chalcopyrite ore by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

Abstract

Amino acids seem to play a major role during bioleaching of chalcopyrite ore by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Efficiency of microbial leaching of chalcopyrite by T. ferrooxidans was investigated in the presence of L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-histidine and L-serine. The bioleaching of copper ion (Cu²⁺) from the low grade ore increased significantly in the presence of L-serine. Although the leaching was increased in the presence of L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid and L-histidine during the initial period, it was observed to decrease after a few days. However, in the L-serine supplemented medium, a steady state of leaching was maintained for a reasonable time.

Key words: Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, chalcopyrite, amino acid, bioleaching.