Microbial reduction of iron ore

Patent · Tue Nov 14 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:7269096

Hoffmann, M R; Arnold, R G; Stephanopoulos, G

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

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