- Dicle Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi
- Cilt: 16 Sayı: 4
- Bioleaching of Oxidized Zinc Ore Using Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans with Taguchi Approach
Bioleaching of Oxidized Zinc Ore Using Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans with Taguchi Approach
Authors : Seda Demirci
Pages : 1067-1075
Doi:10.24012/dumf.1748240
View : 54 | Download : 87
Publication Date : 2025-12-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Zinc is an active and electropositive metal extensively used in various industries, including galvanizing, paint, cosmetics, batteries, and fertilizers. While sphalerite (ZnS) is the primary zinc-bearing mineral, the environmental concerns associated with sulfur emissions during sulfide ore processing have led to increased interest in alternative zinc sources. Secondary zinc minerals such as smithsonite, willemite, and hemimorphite have gained attention in recent years. Among them, smithsonite, containing approximately 52% Zn, is typically processed using flotation and leaching techniques. However, these methods generate hazardous wastes that pose environmental risks. As a sustainable alternative, bioleaching has emerged as an eco-friendly approach. In this study, bioleaching of a smithsonite ore sample obtained from the Horzum region (Adana-Kozan, Türkiye) was investigated using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Experiments were designed according to the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array to evaluate the effects of solid concentration (10%, 15%, and 20%) and leaching duration (6, 12, and 18 days) on zinc recovery. The tests were conducted in 100 mL bioreactors under controlled conditions: particle size of 75 µm, temperature of 25–30 °C, and agitation speed of 180 rpm. During the leaching process, pH, redox potential (mV), and bacterial cell density were monitored at 6-day intervals. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable methods for processing carbonate zinc ores while minimizing environmental impact.Keywords : Oksitli Çinko, Biyoliç, Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans
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