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Surface Chemical Studies on Sphalerite and Galena Using Bacillus polymyxa
D. Santhiya1, S. Subramanian, K. A. Natarajan
1Department of Metallurgy, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560 012, India
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|March 20, 2001
Summary
Bacillus polymyxa interacts with lead/zinc minerals, influencing cell surface properties. This interaction affects galena and sphalerite flotation and dispersion through changes in exopolysaccharides and protein content.
Area of Science:
- Biomining
- Mineral Processing
- Microbial Interactions
Background:
- Understanding microbial interactions with minerals is crucial for biomining applications.
- Bacillus polymyxa (B. polymyxa) has shown potential in interacting with metal sulfides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction mechanisms between B. polymyxa cells and galena/sphalerite.
- To determine how these interactions influence the surface properties of the minerals and microbial cells.
Main Methods:
- Biodissolution and biosorption experiments were conducted.
- Ruthenium red adsorption quantified exopolysaccharides.
- Protein content was analyzed.
- Xanthate adsorption and cell surface hydrophobicity were measured.
- FTIR spectroscopy was employed.
Main Results:
- B. polymyxa cells released lead/zinc species from galena/sphalerite.
- Galena-interacted cells showed higher exopolysaccharides and hydrophilicity.
- Sphalerite-interacted cells exhibited higher protein content and hydrophobicity.
- Xanthate adsorption on galena was reduced by cells, while sphalerite adsorption was unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Higher exopolysaccharide and hydrophilic nature of galena-interacted cells contribute to selective flocculation and depression of galena.
- Higher protein and hydrophobic nature of sphalerite-interacted cells favor its floatability and dispersion.
- B. polymyxa can selectively modify mineral surface properties for improved mineral processing.