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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria
Published on: July 24, 2016
Comparison of biooxidation with carbon dioxide assimilation during bacterial growth on ferrous ion or elemental
H M Lizama1, P A Zielinski, L D Kerby
1Teck Cominco Ltd., P.O. Box 2000, Trail, BC, Canada, V1R 4S4. hector.lizama@teckcominco.com
Abstract:
Biomass and oxygen uptake activity profiles of a mixed bioleaching culture were studied and compared at various temperatures. Bacteria were grown on ferrous ion or elemental sulfur in a Micro-Oxymax respirometer apparatus that allowed measurement of both oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide assimilation. Balanced growth was observed between 10 degrees C and 35 degrees C, with an optimum at 30 degrees C, on both energy sources. No significant growth was observed at the lowest temperature used, 5 degrees C, or at the highest temperature used, 40 degrees C. The oxygen to carbon dioxide molar yield was 50:1 when growing on ferrous ion but only 17:1 when growing on elemental sulfur. Upon transfer from a sulfide ore to a new energy source, greater numbers in the inoculum reduced the duration of the lag phase. Lag phase duration was also reduced by proximity to the optimum growth temperature. A longer lag phase decreased the achievable growth rate of the cells exponentially, significantly affecting biooxidation activity.
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