Bacterial oxidation of pure arsenopyrite by a mixed culture

Abstract

The rate of dissolution of pure arsenopyrite in the presence of a mixed bacterial culture was investigated in shake flasks.The stoichiometry and products of the reaction were investigated. Substantial amounts of oxidised Fe and As reported to the solid phase and could be dissolved by HC1 digestion. Elemental sulfur, which comprised about 30 % of the total oxidised S, was estimated by a thermogravimetric technique.As in solution after oxidation of FeAsS was present as As(III). Either the logistic model or the shrinking core model with non-porous product layer could model the % oxidation of arsenopyrite by bacteria.