Electrobioleaching of base metal sulfides

Natarajan, K. A. (1992) Electrobioleaching of base metal sulfides Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 23 (1). pp. 5-11. ISSN 1073-5615

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Official URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/j501v024830632...

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02654030

Abstract

Bioleaching of base metal sulfides, such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite, under the influence of applied direct current (DC) potentials is discussed. Contributions toward mineral dissolution from three effects, namely, galvanic, applied potential, and microbiological, are analyzed and compared. Sphalerite could be selectively bioleached in the presence of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans under an applied potential of -500 mV (SCE) from mixed sulfides containing sphalerite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. Bacterial activity and growth were found to be promoted under electrobioleaching conditions. Probable mechanisms involved in the bioleaching of different sulfides under positive and negative applied potentials are discussed.

Item Type:Article
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ID Code:24511
Deposited On:29 Nov 2010 08:45
Last Modified:17 May 2016 08:11

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