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Bioleaching of low-grade uranium ore using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
1Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751 013 Orissa India.
Indian Journal of Microbiology
|October 27, 2012
Summary
This study optimized uranium bioleaching from Turamdih ore using a native bacterial strain. Maximum 49% uranium recovery was achieved at 10% pulp density and pH 2.0, indicating direct leaching dominance.
Area of Science:
- Microbial biotechnology
- Hydrometallurgy
- Environmental science
Background:
- Uranium mining generates significant waste, necessitating sustainable extraction methods.
- Bioleaching offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional uranium processing.
- Understanding microbial roles in metal recovery is crucial for optimizing extraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bioleaching efficiency of uranium from Turamdih ore.
- To identify optimal conditions for bacterial uranium recovery.
- To elucidate the dominant leaching mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of a bacterial strain from Jaduguda mine water.
- Bioleaching experiments using Turamdih ore sample.
- Optimization of pulp density and ferrous iron concentration.
- Analysis of uranium recovery efficiency and pH effects.
Main Results:
- A bacterial strain was successfully isolated and utilized for uranium bioleaching.
- Optimal bioleaching efficiency of 49% was achieved at 10% pulp density and initial pH 2.0.
- External ferrous addition did not significantly impact bioleaching efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The isolated bacterial strain is effective for uranium bioleaching from Turamdih ore.
- Direct leaching mechanism dominates over indirect mechanisms in this process.
- Optimized conditions enhance uranium recovery, supporting sustainable mining practices.
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