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Ferrous iron oxidation and uranium extraction by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans
Author(s) -
Guay Roger,
Silver Marvin,
Torma Arpad E.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260190509
Subject(s) - ferrous , uranium , chemistry , leaching (pedology) , thiobacillus ferrooxidans , aeration , extraction (chemistry) , oxygen , dilution , metallurgy , nuclear chemistry , chromatography , geology , materials science , thermodynamics , physics , organic chemistry , soil science , soil water
The microbiological oxidation of ferrous iron in batch and continuous systems has been investigated in relation to uranium extraction from a low‐grade ore by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans . The influence of the parameters, agitation, and aeration on oxygen saturation concentration, rate of oxygen mass transfer, and rate of ferrous iron oxidation was demonstrated. The kinetic values, V max and K were determined using an adapted Monod equation for different dilution rates and initial concentrations of ferrous iron. The power requirements for initial leaching conditions were also calculated. Uranium extraction as high as 68% has been realized during nine days of treatment. Regrinding the leach residue and its subsequent leaching yielded 87% uranium solubilization.