Selective Coagulation in Chalcopyrite/Pyrite Mineral System Using Acidithiobacillus Group Bacteria

Abstract

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans cells grown in ferrous ions were used to study the surface modification of pyrite and chalcopyrite, with focus on coagulation of very fine particles (-5 m). The zeta-potential studies of the minerals, before and after bacterial treatment, showed that the cells have a distinct influence on the surface charge of pyrite and chalcopyrite. The maximum coagulation of particles determined by Turbiscan as a function of pH correlated well with the zetapotential results. Using diffuse reflectance FT-IR spectroscopic studies, the adhesion of cells showed a varied influence on these minerals. The results demonstrate that Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans interact with pyrite and chalcopyrite differently, allowing selective coagulation of one mineral from the other under different pH conditions.