Electrobioleaching of base metal sulfides

Natarajan, KA (1992) Electrobioleaching of base metal sulfides. In: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science, 23 (1). pp. 5-11.

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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:	Journal Article
Publication:	Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science
Publisher:	Minerals Metals Materials Soc
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Minerals Metals Materials Soc.
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Materials Engineering (formerly Metallurgy)
Date Deposited:	24 Jan 2011 10:24
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2011 10:24
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/35207

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