Arsenopyrite Dissolution and Bioscorodite Precipitation by Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans ACH under Mesophilic Condition

Arsenopyrite is the most abundant arsenic-bearing sulfide mineral in lithosphere, usually associated with gold ores. The recovery of this highly valuable metal release large quantities soluble arsenic. One way to mitigate effects high concentrations arsenic solution immobilize it as scorodite precipitate, a more stable form. Hence, we addressed formation capacity (under mesophilic conditions) psychrotolerant Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans ACH isolated from Chilean Altiplano. Bio-oxidation assays were performed 1% arsenopyrite concentrate unique energy source and produced solids evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) QEMSCAN analysis. Interestingly, results evidenced generation main sub-product after incubation for 15 days, due presence microorganism. Moreover, analysis support XRD, detecting 3.5% increase strain 18.7% decrease matrix, implying an active oxidation. Finally, presented first record oxidation production ability member A. species under conditions.