Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Microbial Communities for Generating Second-Generation Biofertilizers
Published on: May 24, 2024
Synergy between Rhizobium phaseoli and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the Bioleaching Process of Copper
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China; Oil and Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610500, China; College of Resource and Environment Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
Abstract:
This study investigates the synergy of Rhizobium phaseoli and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the bioleaching process of copper. The results showed that additional R. phaseoli could increase leaching rate and cell number of A. ferrooxidans. When the initial cell number ratio between A. ferrooxidans and R. phaseoli was 2 : 1, A. ferrooxidans attained the highest final cell number of approximately 2 × 10(8) cells/mL and the highest copper leaching rate of 29%, which is 7% higher than that in the group with A. ferrooxidans only. R. phaseoli may use metabolized polysaccharides from A. ferrooxidans, and organic acids could chelate or precipitate harmful heavy metals to reduce their damage on A. ferrooxidans and promote its growth. Organic acids could also damage the mineral lattice to increase the leaching effect.
More Related Videos
05:37Author Spotlight: Enhancing Rhizobacteria Colonization on Plant Roots for Improved Microbial Fertilizer Efficiency
Published on: March 1, 2024
06:52Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron OxyHydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria
Published on: December 19, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Leaching
Acid Mine Drainage
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Extraction: Advanced Methods
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Microbial Nutrition