Bio-decomposition of rock phosphate containing pyrites by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Abstract

Leaching soluble phosphorus from rock phosphate containing pyrites by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. f.) is feasible, and the reaction mechanism is as follows. Pyrites are oxidized by A. f. to produce H₂SO₄ and FeSO₄; the rock phosphate is decomposed by H₂SO₄, forming soluble phosphorus compounds; and Fe²⁺ from FeSO₄ is oxidized to Fe³⁺, providing energy for the growth of A. f.. In this process, as H₂SO₄ is produced in the reaction, an acidic condition in the culture medium is formed, which benefits the growth of A. f. and aids both continuous oxidation of pyrites and leaching of soluble phosphorus from rock phosphate. The fraction of phosphorous leached can reach the largest in the presence of 1.0 g/L Fe³⁺, 200 mg/L Mg²⁺ and 400 mg/L NH₄⁺. The optimal technological parameters on the fraction of phosphorous leached are as follows: the volume fraction of inocula of A. f., the mass ratio of pyrites to rock phosphate and the pH value are in ranges of 5%–25%, 3:1–5:1 and 1.8–2.2, respectively.

Keywords

bio-decomposition / rock phosphate / pyrites / Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

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