T. ferrooxidans metabolizes metal ions, such as those found in this iron sculpture.
Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is a bacterium typically used in what's called bioleaching, a bioprocess in which microbes are used to leach out metals from mineral deposits. It is the most commonly used bacteria in biomining. More than 30 percent of the world's copper is extracted through the use of T. ferrooxidans in this way, according to the "Concise Encyclopedia of Bioresource Technology."
It is clearly advantageous that a bioleaching microbe be capable of persistent growth for its successful use in industry. According to the journal "Applications of Environmental Microbiology," the growth of T. ferrooxidans is significantly enhanced through the introduction of carbon dioxide and iron sulfate.
Significance
Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was isolated for the first time in 1947. It was extracted through the acid drainage from coal mines, reports the journal "Sadhana." T. ferrooxidans possesses an iron oxidase, which permits the bacterium to metabolize metal ions, such as ferrous iron. Therefore, it gets its energy from the oxidation of ferrous iron or reduced inorganic sulfur compounds. It is among the bacteria used in industry for extracting metals, such as copper and uranium, from ore.
Function
Given T. ferrooxidans' successful growth rate, the bacterium can be used in the technology of desulphurization of fuels and industrial gases. The efficiency of this process is competitive with the traditional methods of desulphurization, and the side products are sulphur, sulphuric acid or gypsum.
Features
According to the journal "Mikrobiologiia," for the continuous growth of the bacterium, T. ferrooxidans requires approximately 14 mg phosphorus, 2 mg magnesium, 5 mg potassium and 100 mg nitrogen. These measures correspond to per gram of dry biomass amount.
Considerations
Although T. ferrooxidans is classified as an aerobic organism--requiring oxygen to grow and survive--it can multiply under anaerobic conditions as well. Anaerobic oxidation has been demonstrated with T. ferrooxidans using elemental sulfur with ferric sulfate. However, elemental sulfur or ferric iron must be present in order for the bacterium to grow.
Growth of T. Ferrooxidans
According to the University of Minnesota, the factors that influence the growth of T. ferrooxidans are temperature, water, pH and nutrient value. These microorganisms require temperatures of 75 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum growth. As temperatures increase or decrease, the growth rate is adversely affected. The best pH range for T. ferrooxidans is between 6.5 and 7.5. Likewise, optimum concentrations of nitrogen, vitamins and minerals are required for maximum growth rate. The concentration of nitrogen should be 0.1 to 1.0 mg/L.
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