Influence of Seawater Addition on the Bioleaching Process of Chalcopyrite Ore Using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Authors : Zehra Çetinkaya

Pages : 760-767

Doi:10.35229/jaes.1708136

View : 163 | Download : 282

Publication Date : 2025-11-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, bioleaching experiments on Kastamonu Hanönü copper ore were conducted using the bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the presence of seawater. The characterization of the sample was performed using XRD, XRF, and SEM analysis methods. During the bioleaching experiments, bacteria concentration, pH, copper and iron concentrations were monitored over the 360-hour test period. The results demonstrated that an appropriate proportion of seawater significantly promoted copper recovery, with the solid-to-liquid ratio playing a key role. A maximum copper recovery of 81.43% was achieved in the presence of 30.00% seawater, 7% solid rate compared to only 71.02% in its absence. This study highlights the potential of seawater as an alternative solvent medium, offering both environmental and economic benefits. Moreover, the findings emphasize the applicability of the bioleaching method as an environmentally friendly and efficient process.
Keywords : Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, bakır cevheri, biyoliç, çevresel sürdürülebilirlik, deniz suyu, geri kazanım

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL