Title: Evaluation of microbial population and attachment study during bio-heap leaching at Malanjkhand copper project

Authors: S. Singh; S. Panda; S. Mishra; N. Pradhan; R.C. Mohanty; L.B. Sukla

Addresses: Bioresources Engineering Department, Institute of Minerals and Material Technology (CSIR), Bhubaneswar – 751013, Orissa, India ' Bioresources Engineering Department, Institute of Minerals and Material Technology (CSIR), Bhubaneswar – 751013, Orissa, India ' Bioresources Engineering Department, Institute of Minerals and Material Technology (CSIR), Bhubaneswar – 751013, Orissa, India ' Bioresources Engineering Department, Institute of Minerals and Material Technology (CSIR), Bhubaneswar – 751013, Orissa, India ' Department of Botany, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar – 751004, Orissa, India ' Bioresources Engineering Department, Institute of Minerals and Material Technology (CSIR), Bhubaneswar – 751013, Orissa, India

Abstract: Microbial analysis of a 2X1000-tonne bio-heap leaching plant of Malanjkhand copper ore was done. Continuous monitoring of the micro-organism profile was done through conventional methods. The evolution of microbial population was done at quarterly intervals. The bacterial cultures were allowed to grow on Feo medium and FeSo medium. Three iron-oxidising acidophiles, namely, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans and three sulphur-oxidising acidophilic bacteria, namely, Acidithiobacillus caldus, Acidiphilum sps and Sulfobacillus sps were present in the heap leach liquor. AFM studies were conducted for estimation of bacterial cell dimensions and evaluation of possible mechanism for bio-leaching of copper ore.

Keywords: evaluation; microbial population; bacterial attachment; bioheap leaching; copper ore; waste management; acidophilic microorganisms; metal recovery; iron; sulphur.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2013.050636

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2013 Vol.11 No.1, pp.75 - 86

Published online: 20 Sep 2014 *

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