Leaching of Pyrite by Acidophilic Heterotrophic Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria in Pure and Mixed Cultures

1999 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 585-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Bacelar-Nicolau ◽  
D. Barrie Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Yeast Extract ◽  
Thiobacillus Ferrooxidans ◽  
Pyrite Oxidation ◽  
Mixed Cultures ◽  
Mineral Dissolution ◽  
Acidophilic Bacteria ◽  
Pure Cultures ◽  
Sulfur Oxidizing ◽  
Thiobacillus Acidophilus ◽  
Basal Salts

ABSTRACT Seven strains of heterotrophic iron-oxidizing acidophilic bacteria were examined to determine their abilities to promote oxidative dissolution of pyrite (FeS2) when they were grown in pure cultures and in mixed cultures with sulfur-oxidizingThiobacillus spp. Only one of the isolates (strain T-24) oxidized pyrite when it was grown in pyrite-basal salts medium. However, when pyrite-containing cultures were supplemented with 0.02% (wt/vol) yeast extract, most of the isolates oxidized pyrite, and one (strain T-24) promoted rates of mineral dissolution similar to the rates observed with the iron-oxidizing autotroph Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Pyrite oxidation by another isolate (strain T-21) occurred in cultures containing between 0.005 and 0.05% (wt/vol) yeast extract but was completely inhibited in cultures containing 0.5% yeast extract. Ferrous iron was also needed for mineral dissolution by the iron-oxidizing heterotrophs, indicating that these organisms oxidize pyrite via the “indirect” mechanism. Mixed cultures of three isolates (strains T-21, T-23, and T-24) and the sulfur-oxidizing autotroph Thiobacillus thiooxidans promoted pyrite dissolution; since neither strains T-21 and T-23 nor T. thiooxidans could oxidize this mineral in yeast extract-free media, this was a novel example of bacterial synergism. Mixed cultures of strains T-21 and T-23 and the sulfur-oxidizing mixotrophThiobacillus acidophilus also oxidized pyrite but to a lesser extent than did mixed cultures containing T. thiooxidans. Pyrite leaching by strain T-23 grown in an organic compound-rich medium and incubated either shaken or unshaken was also assessed. The potential environmental significance of iron-oxidizing heterotrophs in accelerating pyrite oxidation is discussed.

Acidiphilium symbioticum sp.nov., an acidophilic heterotrophic bacterium from Thiobacillus ferrooxidans cultures isolated from Indian mines

1991 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saswati Bhattacharyya ◽  
B. K. Chakrabarty ◽  
A Das ◽  
P. N. Kundu ◽  
P. C. Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Yeast Extract ◽  
Thiobacillus Ferrooxidans ◽  
Heterotrophic Bacterium ◽  
Sole Source ◽  
Striking Similarity ◽  
Mineral Salts ◽  
Acidophilic Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Contaminants ◽  
Acidiphilium Cryptum ◽  
Yeast Extract Medium

Two cultures of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans enriched from Indian mine samples and grown autotrophically on FeSO4 – basal salts medium for periods ranging from several months to years contained acidophilic, heterotrophic bacterial contaminants. The heterotrophs (strains KM2 and H8) were isolated by selective growth in a mineral salts – glucose – yeast extract medium of pH 3 and were purified as single colonies on an agarose medium. Mannose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, citrate, mannitol, and glycerol supported the growth of these strains in the presence of yeast extract. The heterotrophs grew poorly or failed to grow in media without yeast extract. They could not grow autotrophically with Fe2+, or with sulfur and its oxidizable derivatives, as the sole source of energy. Although they exhibited many characteristics of the genus Acidiphilium, they differed from Acidiphilium cryptum and other species of this genus in some physiological properties, notably in their ability to grow at higher glucose (5%, w/v) and Mn2+ (20 mM) concentrations. The G+C mol% contents (58.8 and 60.2) of strains KM2 and H8, respectively, determined from melting temperature (Tm) values were close to that of A. cryptum (62.7%). Strains KM2 and H8 showed 70–80% DNA homology with each other and about 60% with A. cryptum. All of the strains, including A. cryptum, responded similarly to several metal ions and antibiotics. SDS–PAGE of whole-cell proteins exhibited striking similarity between these two isolated strains, which were unlike that of A. cryptum. The strains were also agglutinated with a few common lectins and differed strongly from A. cryptum in respect to wheat-germ agglutinin and concanavalin A. Considering all these characteristics, we propose that strains KM2 and H8 be designated as a new species: Acidiphilium symbioticum. The type strain of A. symbioticum is strain KM2 (= MTCC 566). Key words: Acidiphilium symbioticum, Acidiphilium cryptum, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, acidophilic bacteria.

Ferrous Iron and Pyrite Oxidation by “Acidithiomicrobium” Species

2009 ◽  
Vol 71-73 ◽  
pp. 271-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol S. Davis-Belmar ◽  
Paul R. Norris
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Culture ◽  
Yeast Extract ◽  
Ferrous Iron ◽  
Novel Species ◽  
Pyrite Oxidation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Autotrophic Growth ◽  
Optimum Temperature ◽  
Moderate Thermophiles ◽  
Sulfur Oxidizing

Novel iron- and sulfur-oxidizing, moderate thermophiles were isolated from an acidic geothermal site and from a previously studied, pyrite-enrichment mixed culture (which also contained the related actinobacterium Acidimicrobium ferrooxidans). The novel species (proposed genus “Acidithiomicrobium”) grew autotrophically with ferrous iron at an optimum temperature of about 50°C, efficiently degraded pyrite at 55°C and also grew well autotrophically on sulfur. The extensive dissolution of pyrite during autotrophic growth contrasted with a requirement for yeast extract for significant growth of the related Acidimicrobium ferrooxidans.

scholarly journals Bioleaching of Transition Metals From Limonitic Laterite Deposits and Reassessment of the Multiple Roles of Sulfur-Oxidizing Acidophiles in the Process

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Barrie Johnson ◽  
Sarah L. Smith ◽  
Ana Laura Santos
Keyword(s):  
Iron Reduction ◽  
Mineral Dissolution ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Reductive Dissolution ◽  
Acidithiobacillus Thiooxidans ◽  
Redox Potentials ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
Acidophilic Bacteria ◽  
Oxidized Iron ◽  
Pure Cultures

Using acidophilic bacteria to catalyze the reductive dissolution of oxidized minerals is an innovative process that facilitates the extraction of valuable base metals (principally cobalt and nickel) from limonites, which are otherwise often regarded as waste products of laterite mining. The most appropriate conditions required to optimize reductive mineral dissolution are unresolved, and the current work has reassessed the roles of Acidithiobacillus spp. in this process and identified novel facets. Aerobic bio-oxidation of zero-valent sulfur (ZVS) can generate sufficient acidity to counterbalance that consumed by the dissolution of oxidized iron and manganese minerals but precludes the development of low redox potentials that accelerate the reductive process, and although anaerobic oxidation of sulfur by iron-reducing species can achieve this, less acid is generated. Limited reduction of soluble iron (III) occurs in pure cultures of Acidithiobacillus spp. (Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus caldus) that do not grow by iron respiration. This phenomenon (“latent iron reduction”) was observed in aerated cultures and bioreactors and was independent of electron donor used (ZVS or hydrogen). Sufficient ferrous iron was generated in the presence of sterilized hydrophilic sulfur (bio-ZVS) to promote the effective reductive dissolution of Mn (IV) minerals in limonite and the solubilization of cobalt in the absence of viable acidophiles.

Thiobacillus acidophilus: a study of its presence in Thiobacillus ferrooxidans cultures

1980 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 1057-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. M. W. Arkesteyn ◽  
J. A. M. de Bont
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Ferrous Iron ◽  
Thiobacillus Ferrooxidans ◽  
Mixed Cultures ◽  
Limited Extent ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Thiobacillus Acidophilus

A study had been undertaken to account for the presence of Thiobacillus acidophilus in iron-grown cultures of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Attempts to adapt T. acidophilus to ferrous iron were not successful but the facultative autotroph grew to a limited extent in the spent medium of T. ferrooxidans and was able to grow oligotrophically. Possible oligotrophic substrates were methanol, ethanol, and sulphide. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans may benefit from the presence of T. acidophilus because in mixed cultures some inhibiting organic compounds such as alcohols, organic acids, and amino acids were utilized by T. acidophilus. The number of T. acidophilus cells in heterogeneous cultures with T. ferrooxidans was of the same order of magnitude as the number of T. ferrooxidans cells as revealed by fluorescent-labelled antibodies.

Interactions of the extremely acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma acidiphilum with acidophilic bacteria during pyrite bioleaching

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nova Maulani ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Wolfgang Sand ◽  
Mario Vera ◽  
Ruiyong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Microbial Interactions ◽  
Mineral Dissolution ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Adhesion Forces ◽  
Initial Attachment ◽  
Acidophilic Bacteria ◽  
Pure Cultures

Bioleaching has been applied as a successful technique for metal recovery from various mineral sources like low-grade ores, waste materials and tailings. Mixed cultures of bioleaching microorganisms have a high performance in mineral dissolution. Thus far, microbial interactions in bioleaching communities are poorly understood. In this paper, the acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma acidiphilum and the bacteria Leptospirillum ferriphilum and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans were chosen to study their interactions during pyrite leaching. The initial attachment to pyrite and pyrite leaching efficiency of pure and mixed populations were investigated. The data indicate: (i) attachment and bioleaching efficiency of L. ferriphilum was reduced in the presence of F. acidiphilum. However, the combination of F. acidiphilum and S. thermosulfidooxidans showed increased leaching, although the initial attachment rate was reduced, when compared to pure cultures. Thus, synergistic or antagonistic interactions may exist between F. acidiphilum and S. thermosulfidooxidans or F. acidiphilum and L. ferriphilum, respectively; (ii) pre-established biofilms of L. ferriphilum inhibited initial attachment to pyrite by cells of F. acidiphilum and did not promote pyrite leaching by F. acidiphilum. In contrast, inactivated biofilm cells of S. thermosulfidooxidans enhanced pyrite bioleaching by F. acidiphilum; (iii) adhesion forces of cells to an AFM tip (Si3N4) seemed to be not correlated to attachment and bioleaching capacity; and (iv) lectins were applied to show and distinguish single species in mixed biofilm populations. Physical contact between cells of S. thermosulfidooxidans and F. acidiphilum was visible. 

Biofilm Formation, Communication and Interactions of Mesophilic Leaching Bacteria during Pyrite Oxidation

2013 ◽  
Vol 825 ◽  
pp. 107-110
Author(s):  
Sören Bellenberg ◽  
Robert Barthen ◽  
Mario Vera ◽  
Nicolas Guiliani ◽  
Wolfgang Sand
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Pyrite Oxidation ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Mixed Cultures ◽  
Acyl Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Leaching Bacteria ◽  
Leaching Efficiency

A functional luxIR-type Quorum Sensing (QS) system is present in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. However, cell-cell communication among various acidophilic chemolithoautotrophs growing on pyrite has not been studied in detail. These aspects are the scope of this study with emphasis on the effects exerted by the N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) type signaling molecules which are produced by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Their effects on attachment and leaching efficiency by other leaching bacteria, such as Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans, Acidiferrobacter spp. SPIII/3 and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans in pure and mixed cultures growing on pyrite is shown.

In Vitro Inhibition of the Growth of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 by Bacteria Isolated from the Cecal Contents of Adult Chickens

1991 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 496-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
ARTHUR HINTON ◽  
GEORGE E. SPATES ◽  
DONALD E. CORRIER ◽  
MICHAEL E. HUME ◽  
JOHN R. DELOACH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Salmonella Typhimurium ◽  
Mixed Cultures ◽  
Enterococcus Durans ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Pure Cultures ◽  
In Vitro Inhibition ◽  
Lactic Acids

A Veillonella species and Enterococcus durans were isolated from the cecal contents of adult broilers. Mixed cultures of Veillonella and E. durans inhibited the growth of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 on media containing 2.5% lactose (w/v). The growth of S. typhimurium or E. coli 0157:H7 was not inhibited by mixed cultures containing Veillonella and E. durans on media containing only 0.25% lactose or by pure cultures of Veillonella or E. durans on media containing either 0.25% or 2.5% lactose. The mixed cultures of Veillonella and E. durans produced significantly (P<0.05) more acetic, propionic, and lactic acids in media containing 2.5% lactose than in media containing 0.25% lactose. The inhibition of the enteropathogens was related to the production of lactic acid from lactose by the E. durans and the production of acetic and propionic acids from lactic acid by the Veillonella.

scholarly journals Chemical preservatives in foodstuffs VI. The effect of silver ions on microbes, in particular on the flora of fresh fish

1966 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-209
Author(s):  
Olavi E. Nikkilä ◽  
Alpo Siiriä ◽  
Jorma J. Laine
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Solution ◽  
Silver Ions ◽  
Mixed Cultures ◽  
Fresh Fish ◽  
Baltic Herring ◽  
Pure Cultures ◽  
Chemical Preservatives

A study has been made of the effect of silver ions upon microbes in water, in rinsing and washing experiments, and in the storage of fresh Baltic herring in ice containing silver ions. It was observed that silver ions were microbicidic in all experiments except in those with stored fish. Even in this case, silver ions were effective in killing bacteria when they were isolated and kept in an aqueous solution. In all the experiments the pure cultures were less resistant than the natural mixed cultures.

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