Multi-Objective Optimization of Copper Bioleaching: Comparative Study of Pure and Co-Cultured Cultivation

Bioleaching is a practical method to recover metals from low-grade mineral sulfides. The most frequent bacteria involved in the bioleaching of metals from ores are Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Experimental design is a method through which the optimum activity condition will be obtained, avoiding numerous trials and errors.

This study aimed to optimize the bioleaching condition of two indigenous iron- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria from the Meydouk mine, Iran, and evaluate their function in a semi-pilot operation in pure and mixed cultures.

After treatment with sulfuric acid, the bacterial DNA was extracted, and further 16S rRNA was sequenced to characterize the bacterial species. The cultivation condition of these bacteria was optimized using Design-expert (6.1.1 version) software. The copper recovery rate and the differentiation in the ORP rate in the percolation columns were also investigated. These strains were isolated from the Meydouk mine for the first time.

16S rRNA analysis revealed that both bacteria belong to the Acidithiobacillus genus. The factors with the most significant impact on Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans with their optimum level were temperature=35 °C, pH=2.5, and initial FeSO₄ concentration=25 g.L^-1. Also, initial sulfur concentration had the most significant impact on Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans with the optimum level of 35 g.L^-1. Moreover, the mixed culture determined higher bioleaching efficiency compared with the case of employing the pure cultures.

Utilizing a mixture of both bacteria, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans elevated the Cu recovery rate due to the synergetic function of the strains. Also, introducing an initial dosage of sulfur and pre-acidification could elevate metal recovery efficiency.