DOI: 10.21440/0536-1028-2019-6-90-97

Shaikhova D. R. Prospects for bioleaching of metal from wastes with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedenii. Gornyi zhurnal = News of the Higher Institutions. Mining Journal. 2019; 6: 90–97 (In Russ.). DOI: 10.21440/0536-1028-2019-6-90-97

Introduction. The decline in the quality of mineral raw materials and the problems of ecological safety
actualize the development of biological leaching technology, where Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a key
microorganism.
Methodology includes the analysis of the biotechnologies of low-grade and complex minerals processing.
Biological characteristics of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. This microorganism is a gram-negative,
chemoautotrophic, acidophilic aerobic that grows at 1.0-4.5 pH and a wide range of temperatures.
A. ferrooxidans is an object of many studies, so magnetosomes have recently been discovered, and 8 strains
have been completely sequenced. A. ferrooxidans uses Fe2+ and S 0 as electron donors, and O 2, S 0 or Fe3+
as electron acceptors.
Mechanisms and technologies of bioleaching. Possible mechanisms for bioleaching of sulphide ores are
of great interest for research, since at the moment there are three equivalent theories: contact, non-contact and
cooperative mechanisms. Commercially there are heap, underground (in situ) and tank bacterial leaching.
Perspective directions. One of the promising areas of research is the potential use of A. ferrooxidans for
the processing of metals from household waste. The resistance of strains to heavy metals, the problems
of environmental safety in the extraction and processing of mineral raw materials, etc. are also being
studied. Guidelines for conducting molecular genetic studies were also published.
Conclusion. The use of biogeotechnologies will allow to engage low-grade and complex mineral resources
in processing, to increase the effectiveness of useful components extraction, as well as to ensure
environmental protection.

Key words: bioleaching; Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans; microorganisms; hydrometallurgy;
biotechnologies.

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Received 7 May 2019