Which bacterium can refine copper, zinc, lead and uranium?

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, now usually called Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, is the main bioleaching bacterium. The bacterium thrives in very acidic conditions.

How does Thiobacillus ferrooxidans release copper from sulfide ores?

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans oxidises iron(II) to iron(III) and sulfur compounds to sulfuric acid. The iron(III) and acid attack the metal sulfide, releasing copper ions into solution.

What conditions does Thiobacillus ferrooxidans need?

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans needs a low pH of about 1.5 to 2.5 and a supply of oxygen. The bacterium works best at around 30°C and fixes carbon dioxide from the air.

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Land Contamination and Remediation

Biohydrometallurgy and phytomining of ores

3 things to know
A2 1

Overview

Why smelting uses energy and pollutes, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and the bioleaching of copper and uranium, preparing and running a heap, biorefining against smelting, a copper yield calculation, and phytomining with mustard and sunflowers.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Define biohydrometallurgy.

Key term

Why are traditional smelting methods energy intensive?

Key term

Why is traditional smelting highly polluting?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Define biohydrometallurgy.
Model answer
Biohydrometallurgy is the use of bacteria to extract metals from low-grade ore. The process is also called bioleaching or biorefining.
2
Why are traditional smelting methods energy intensive?
Model answer
Ore must be crushed and ground before it is smelted in furnaces above 1,000°C. Low-grade ore needs huge amounts of rock processed for each tonne of metal.
3
Why is traditional smelting highly polluting?
Model answer
Smelted sulfide ores release sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain. Furnaces also emit carbon dioxide and dust containing arsenic, lead and other toxic metals.
4
Which bacterium can refine copper, zinc, lead and uranium?
Model answer
Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, now usually called Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, is the main bioleaching bacterium. The bacterium thrives in very acidic conditions.
5
How does Thiobacillus ferrooxidans release copper from sulfide ores?
Model answer
Thiobacillus ferrooxidans oxidises iron(II) to iron(III) and sulfur compounds to sulfuric acid. The iron(III) and acid attack the metal sulfide, releasing copper ions into solution.
6
What conditions does Thiobacillus ferrooxidans need?
Model answer
Thiobacillus ferrooxidans needs a low pH of about 1.5 to 2.5 and a supply of oxygen. The bacterium works best at around 30°C and fixes carbon dioxide from the air.

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