Microorganisms Oxidize Iron (II) Ions in the Presence of High Concentrations of Sodium Chloride - Potentially Useful for Bioleaching

Abstract

Acidophilic leaching microorganisms have been reported to be in general intolerant to high salinity, namely high concentrations of chloride. At present this restriction hampers the use of sea water for bioleaching technology. Enrichment cultures obtained in this study from a former ore deposit near the Spanish coast oxidize ferrous iron in the presence of up to 50 gL-1 NaCl at pH 2.5 and 37°C. The presence of at least 5 gL-1 NaCl was shown to be an obligate requirement for iron oxidation. The major microbial groups comprise Alicyclobacillus and Arthrobacter. The findings may be of biotechnological relevance.