LEACHING OF CHALCOPYRITE WITH THIOBACILLUS FERROOXIDANS: EFFECT OF SURFACTANTS AND SHAKING

The rate of leaching of chalcopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans has been greatly accelerated by using shaken flasks in place of stationary bottles or percolators. A further increase in rate and extent of leaching was obtained by the use of Tween 20, 40, 60, and 80, Triton X-100, Quaker TT 5386, and Hyamine 2389. Tween 20 was the most effective surfactant. No individual component of the Tween molecule was responsible for the improved leaching. The Tween-to-chalcopyrite ratio is more important than the Tween-to-medium ratio. The effect of the surfactants is probably due to increased contact between the mineral surface and the organism, and shaking provides the necessary oxygen. Rates and yields obtained by use of surfactants and shaking as aids to microbiological leaching approach those obtained with acidified erric sulfate leaching.