The effect of carbon dioxide on the growth and activity of leptospirillum ferriphilum

Microbial oxidation rates catalysed by the acidophilic micro-organisms mediating mesophilic and thermophilic bioleaching of mineral sulphides have been well characterised under conditions typical of active tank leaching processes in the mineral industry. However, with the increasing need to beneficiate low grade ores, heap bioleaching processes are increasingly of interest. The physicochemical conditions within the heap bioleach differ considerably from the tank leaching system in terms of typical iron concentration, presence of dissolved salts and dissolved gases. This study focuses particularly on the kinetic description of the microbial ferrous oxidation rate and the microbial growth rate of the Leptospirillum species under conditions where the supply of carbon dioxide is limited.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Naik, Linus

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Harrison, STL
• Petersen, Jochen

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11477

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/11477