Bioleaching of pyrite by L. ferriphilum

Pyrite oxidation rates were examined in various conditions in the presence of L.ferriphilum,in which different pulp concentrations,inoculation amounts,initial Fe3+ concentrations and initial pH were performed.The results show that increasing pulp concentration can decrease the leaching rate of iron,and high initial Fe3+ concentration is also adverse to leach pyrite.Increasing inoculation amount and lowering initial pH are beneficial to leach pyrite.Adjusting pH in leaching process makes against leaching pyrite due to formed jarosite.Jarosite formed in leaching process is observed with XRD,SEM and EDS analysis,and a considerable amount of debris,with a crystalline morphology is present on the surface of pyrite.Indirect action is more important in bioleaching pyrite.