Bioleaching of high grade Zn–Pb bearing ore by mixed moderate thermophilic microorganisms

Abstract

In this research, the bioleaching mechanism of zinc and lead from high-grade Zn–Pb ore has been investigated. It is done by using mixed culture of iron and sulfur oxidizing moderate thermophilic bacteria at 45°C. Pulp density, initial pH and ferrous concentration were studied as influential parameters in bioleaching experiments. The optimum conditions were achieved at pulp density=50 (g/L), initial pH=1 and FeSO4.7H2O concentration=75 (g/L) with 98.5% zinc recovery after 25days treatment. Generally, an increase in ferrous concentration caused an improve zinc recovery, and an increase in initial pH and pulp density caused reduction in zinc recovery. However, in the test with optimum condition the lead dissolution was just 0.027% due to the lower Pb solubility. Furthermore, cadmium dissolution was 98% under optimum condition and results showed the cadmium dissolution was in direct proportion with zinc dissolution. Finally, 7.82% of arsenic and 8.52% of antimony dissolved during zinc bioleaching after 25days treatment, both under above mentioned optimum condition.