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Oxidation of chalcopyrite by Acidithioba

D. Bevilacqua, A.L.L.C. Leite

2026enchalcopyritebioleachingiron oxidationsulfur oxidationAcidithiobacillus

Abstract

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Chalcopyrite oxidation was evaluated with two acidophilic thiobacilli that are important in bioleaching processes. Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans in pure culture did not oxidize CuFeS2, but oxidized externally added S0 in the presence of CuFeS2. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans released Cu2+ and soluble Fe from chalcopyrite, and the time course lead to a gradual passivation of chalcopyrite whereby Cu2+ dissolution leveled off. Fe3+ acted as a chemical oxidant in CuFeS2 leaching and was reduced to Fe2+. Parallel bacterial re-oxidation of Fe2+ contributed to a high Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio and an increase in redox potential. Chemical oxidation of chalcopyrite was slow compared with A. ferrooxidans-initiated solubilization. X-ray analysis revealed new solid phases: (i) jarosite, found in solids from A. ferrooxidans cultures and in chemical controls that initially received Fe2+ or Fe3+, and (ii) S0, found mostly in iron-amended A. ferrooxidans culture and the corresponding chemical controls.

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Cite This Work

@article{571de7be-e493-48da-8fe1-af3b62a0486a,
  title={Oxidation of chalcopyrite by Acidithioba},
  author={D. Bevilacqua and A.L.L.C. Leite},
  year={2026},
  language={en}
}
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Oxidation of chalcopyrite by Acidithioba
AU  - D. Bevilacqua
AU  - A.L.L.C. Leite
PY  - 2026
LA  - en
ER  -

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