Application of Phanerochaete chrysosporium for enhancing gold recovery via bio-oxidation of refractory sulfidic ores in a circumneutral environment

Abstract

Regardless of the effectiveness of the industrial process design for gold recovery encompassing acidic bio-oxidation and cyanidation, the substantial neutralization of effluents required after bio-oxidation results in a considerable generation of waste streams. Conducting a bio-oxidation at circumneutral pH with in-situ neutralization is a novel technological opportunity for strengthening environmental protection and safety. For the first time, this research reports the capacity of Phanerochaete chrysosporium to oxidize a low-grade refractory gold ore at circumneutral pH. The fungal treatment was evaluated in five culture media regarding pH variation, enzyme activity, and sulfide oxidation. Thereafter, optimal conditions were investigated and then scaled up in a bioreactor. Results indicated that pH > 5.0 decreased the enzyme concentration released by P. chrysosporium, reducing sulfide oxidation. An initial pH of 5.8 led to a 24.4 ± 2.2% sulfide oxidation after 14 days, comparatively better to reported studies in the same pH range. A higher efficiency was attained by replenishing the fungal culture for three cycles, reaching 47.6 ± 2.3% sulfide oxidation and 49.5 ± 2.4% gold recovery. The results were confirmed by UV–visible, C/S detector, SEM and gold fire assay. Overall, this study opens a possibility to explore a bio-oxidation at higher pH, contributing to the vision of a net-zero target.