Optimization of Bioleaching Process of High-Fluoride-Bearing Uranium by Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

In the bioleaching system of high-fluorine uranium, the dissolution of fluorine must be considered, which is also affected by the parameters of the leaching process. In order to adapt the fluorine-containing system, the strain was domesticated under different fluoride level. In order to match the process parameters in the bioleaching of high-fluoride-bearing uranium ore, response surface methodology was used to predict the effective parameters and their interactions in bioleaching. Four significant variables ([Fe2+]initial, pH, solid-liquid ratio and inoculation percent) were selected for the optimization studies. The optimal values of the variables for the maximum uranium bioleaching recovery (94.230±0.74)% were as in agreement with the predicted models 94.41%.