Abstract
ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the bioleaching of uranium from El-Sella mineralisation by Aspergillus clavatus. A. clavatus was generally found to give the maximum bioleaching efficiency of uranium under two-step bioleaching process when a total concentration of 3% (w/v) El-Sella mineralisation was applied. Microscopic examination revealed that bioleaching negatively affected fungal vesicles, and resulted in the formation of a swollen pellet structure in the mycelium. Uranium precipitated as uranium calcium phosphate mineral (Autunite) crystals on the surface of hyphae. Finally, the purity of uranium assayed was 73.19% in sodium diuranate. In conclusion, the optimum conditions for bioleaching of uranium from El-Sella mineralisation using A. clavatus are 9 days of incubation, 30°C and agitation speed of 175 rpm. A. clavatus represents an excellent candidate for uranium bioleaching from its ore.
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