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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Microbial reduction of iron ore

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7269096

A process is provided for reducing iron ore by treatment with microorganisms which comprises forming an aqueous mixture of iron ore, microorganisms operable for reducing the ferric iron of the iron ore to ferrous iron, and a substrate operable as an energy source for the microbial reduction; and maintaining the aqueous mixture for a period of time and under conditions operable to effect the reduction of the ore. Preferably the microorganism is Pseudomonas sp. 200 and the reduction conducted anaerobically with a domestic wastewater as the substrate. An aqueous solution containing soluble ferrous iron can be separated from the reacted mixture, treated with a base to precipitate ferrous hydroxide which can then be recovered as a concentrated slurry. 11 figs.

Research Organization:
California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA)
Sponsoring Organization:
United States Department of Energy
DOE Contract Number:
AS03-83ER13125; AM03-76SF00767
Assignee:
California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 4880740
Application Number:
PPN: US 6-661629
OSTI ID:
7269096
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English