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Bacterial leaching of metal sulfides proceeds by two indirect mechanisms via thiosulfate or via polysulfides and sulfur

Journal Article · · Applied and Environmental Microbiology
OSTI ID:318833
;  [1]
  1. Univ. Hamburg (Germany). Inst. fuer Allgemeine Botanik
Bacterial leaching, the biooxidation of metal sulfides to soluble metal sulfates and sulfuric acid, is effected by specialized bacteria. The acid-insoluble metal sulfides FeS{sub 2}, MoS{sub 2}, and WS{sub 2} are chemically attacked by iron(III) hexahydrate ions, generating thiosulfate, which is oxidized to sulfuric acid. Other metal sulfides are attacked by iron(III) ions and by protons, resulting in the formation of elemental sulfur via intermediary polysulfides. Sulfur is biooxidized to sulfuric acid. This explains leaching of metal sulfides by Thiobacillus thiooxidans.
OSTI ID:
318833
Journal Information:
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Journal Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 65; ISSN AEMIDF; ISSN 0099-2240
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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