Abstract
Pyrite ash, a waste by-product formed during roasting of pyrite ores, is a good source of valuable metals. The waste is associated with several environmental issues due to its dumping in sea and/or land filling. Although several other management practices are available for its utilization, the waste still awaits and calls for an eco-friendly biotechnological application for metal recovery. In the present study, chemolithotrophic meso-acidophilic iron and sulphur oxidisers were evaluated for the first time towards simultaneous mutli-metal recovery from pyrite ash. XRD and XRF analysis indicated higher amount of Hematite (Fe2O3) in the sample. ICP–OES analysis indicated concentrations of Cu>Zn>Co>As that were considered for bioleaching. Optimization studies indicated Cu – 95%, Co – 97%, Zn – 78% and As – 60% recovery within 8days at 10% pulp density, pH – 1.75, 10% (v/v) inoculum and 9g/L Fe2+. The productivity of the bioleaching system was found to be Cu – 1696ppm/d (12% dissolution/d), Co – 338ppm/d (12.2% dissolution/d), Zn k 576ppm/d (9.8% dissolution/d) and As – 75ppm/d (7.5% dissolution/d). Synergistic actions for Fe2+ – S° oxidation by iron and sulphur oxidisers were identified as the key drivers for enhanced metal dissolution from pyrite ash sample.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
