Sulfur Metabolism in Thiobacillus ferrooxidans Population During Leaching of Sulfide Minerals

摘要

The dynamics of chemical and bacterial leaching of natural sulfide minerals (pyrite FeS_2,covellite CuS,'chalcopyrite CuFeS_2, sphalerite ZnS) with cation deficiency were analysed. Activity changes of selected enzymes (sulfite oxidase, rhodanese, thiosulfate oxidase) involved in sulfur metabolism in Thiobacillus ferrooxidans populations participating in these processes were investigated. It was demonstrated that the rate of bacterial leaching of cation-deficient sulfides depended on the activation of sulfur metabolism in the strain tested. The initial rates of metal bio-extraction from these types of sulfides were proportional to the initial activities of the enzymes tested. It is suggested that activities of enzymes participating in sulfur metabolism in T. ferrooxidans bacteria, especially of sulfite oxidase, could be used as indicators of strain suitability for leaching of natural sulfide minerals, mainly those showing sulfur excess in the crystal lattice.