Biooxidation of Pyrite-Arsenopyrite Concentrate Under Stressful Conditions
Author Information
Author(s): Aleksandr Bulaev, Alena Artykova, Anna Diubar, Aleksandr Kolosoff, Vitaliy Melamud, Tatiana Kolganova, Alexey Beletsky, Andrey Mardanov
Primary Institution: Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
Can additional carbon supply in the form of CO2 counteract the negative effects of unfavorable conditions on the biooxidation of pyrite-arsenopyrite concentrate?
Conclusion
Under stressful conditions, additional carbon dioxide supply significantly improved the biooxidation rates of both pyrite and arsenopyrite.
Supporting Evidence
- Biooxidation rates improved significantly with CO2 supply under stressful conditions.
- Microbial population composition changed with varying conditions, indicating adaptability.
- Arsenopyrite oxidation rates reached 89.8% with CO2 supply at increased pulp density.
Takeaway
Adding carbon dioxide helps tiny organisms break down certain minerals better, especially when things get tough for them, like when it's too hot or too dense.
Methodology
The study involved laboratory-scale stirred tank reactors to test biooxidation under normal and stressful conditions, with varying pulp densities and temperatures.
Limitations
The results were obtained on a laboratory scale, and further tests on pilot and industrial scales are required.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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