Biooxidation of pyrite, sulfideore and copper concentrate by new isolated sulfur and/or iron oxidizing bacteria

Abstract

New original strains of iron oxidizing bacteria were isolated from natural biotopes and experimental systems of bioleaching. The highest activity in pyrite oxidation among isolated strains showed Acidithiobacillus sp. 13Zn, isolated from bioleaching pulp of zinc concentrate. Aacidithiobacillus sp. 13 Zn also demonstrated considerable activity in oxidation of Drmbon gold bearing ore and copper concentrate. Growth of the strain on ferrous iron is possible in the range of pH 1.4-2.6 with optimal pH 2.0, optimal temperature for growth is 370C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences the isolates Tz and Dr were identified as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, strain 13Zn can be represented as a new species of the genus Acidithiobacillus.