Bio-oxidation of a low grade chalcopyrite ore by mixed culture of acidophilic bacteria

Authors

  • A A Baba Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.
  • E E Ezekafor Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.
  • F A Adekola Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.
  • R N Ahmed Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.
  • S Panda Bioresources Engineering Department, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar 751013, India.

Keywords:

Bio-oxidation, chalcopyrite, acidophilic bacteria, nutrient broth.

Abstract

A study on the extent of biooxidation of a low grade Chalcopyrite ore using a mixed acidophilic bacterial consortium predominantly of the Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strain has been carried out.  The influence of additive and pH on the bio-oxidation of the ore has been examined. The results of the investigations showed that bio-oxidation was enhanced by the addition of nutrient broth at lower pH. The enhancement in biooxidation of a chalcopyrite ore was 54% and 19% with and without addition of broth in 10 days incubation time, respectively. The study showed that at a lower pH (≤ 4.0), the biooxidation of the ore was higher in presence of broth. Consequently, in presence of nutrient broth, the concentration of Fe and Cu leached were 1200 mg/L and 350 mg/L; and without nutrient broth yielded 580 mg/L and 220 mg/L, respectively within 10 days of incubation and decreases afterwards.

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Author Biographies

A A Baba, Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.

Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.   

E E Ezekafor, Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.

Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.   

F A Adekola, Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.

Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.   

R N Ahmed, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.

Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin-240003, Nigeria.

S Panda, Bioresources Engineering Department, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar 751013, India.

Bioresources Engineering Department, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar 751013, India.

Published

30-03-2012

How to Cite

Baba, A. A., E. E. Ezekafor, F. A. Adekola, R. N. Ahmed, and S. Panda. “Bio-Oxidation of a Low Grade Chalcopyrite Ore by Mixed Culture of Acidophilic Bacteria”. Journal of Ecobiotechnology, vol. 3, no. 12, Mar. 2012, https://updatepublishing.com/journal/index.php/jebt/article/view/154.

Issue

Volume 3, Issue 12, 2011

Section

REGULAR ISSUE ARTICLES