This study was to investigate the viability of indigenous acidophilic bacteria at 42℃ and 52℃, and to enhance the leaching of valuable elements from galena during the oxidation of the indigenous acidophilic bacteria with no addition of sulfuric ac...
This study was to investigate the viability of indigenous acidophilic bacteria at 42℃ and 52℃, and to enhance the leaching of valuable elements from galena during the oxidation of the indigenous acidophilic bacteria with no addition of sulfuric acid. Even through the isoelectric point of the pH environment was higher, the indigenous bacteria were attached to the surface of the galena and sphalerite. In the bioleaching of galena at 42℃ and 52℃, the rod-shaped bacteria ranged from 0.4×1.3 ㎛ to 0.5×1.6 ㎛ and were attached to the galena and sphalerite surface. When the indigenous bacteria oxidized the galena at 42℃ and 52℃, an extracellular polymeric substance(EPS) formed and coated the surface of the galena and sphalerite grains. The EPS formation was probably secreted by the indigenous bacteria. Hexagonal column crystals were formed on the surface of the galena, and the numerous indigenous bacteria were attached to the surface of the hexagonal crystals. Corrosion pits were distinctly observed on the surface of the secondary mineral by the direct contact attachment of indigenous bacteria.