SpringerLink
Log in

Sulfide Mineral Bioflotation Optimization and Prediction by Mixed Mesophilic Bacteria as a Green Alternative for Chemical Reagents

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In recent years, applying biotechnological and environmentally friendly processes as an alternative to hazardous chemical usage such as cyanide in mineral processing has received increasing attention. This paper studied the efficiency of the sulfide minerals’ depression (pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena) by mixed mesophilic bacteria. After examining the optimal flotation conditions for all four minerals separately by the collector, frother, and activator, the effect of cyanide as one of the most common sulfide minerals depressants in the mineral processing industry was studied. As a result, the highest levels of depression were observed for pyrite and sphalerite, with 76.7% and 75.4% reductions in recovery compared to optimal conditions. The depression efficacy of mixed mesophilic bacteria in single and multi-mineral flotation experiments was studied. In the single-mineral flotation tests, it was observed that in the presence of mesophilic bacteria, pyrite (with a recovery of 21.1%) and galena (with a recovery of 46.3%) were significantly depressed under optimal conditions compared to other minerals. At the same time, chalcopyrite and sphalerite showed a minor change in floatability compared to optimal conditions. An artificial neural network (ANN)-based model was successfully described to predict the system’s performance. Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the high depression level of pyrite by mesophiles. In multi-mineral flotation experiments, effective biodepression of minerals was observed, especially for pyrite. The results demonstrated the high-efficiency biodepression method over hazardous reagent usage such as sodium cyanide for the depression of sulfide minerals.

Graphical Abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Mehrabani JV, Mousavi SM, Noaparast M (2011) Evaluation of the replacement of NaCN with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the flotation of high-pyrite, low-grade lead-zinc ore. Sep Purif Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2011.04.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Mehrabani JV, Noaparast M, Mousavi SM, Dehghan R, Rasooli E, Hajizadeh H (2010) Depression of pyrite in the flotation of high pyrite low-grade lead-zinc ore using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2009.08.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Ahmadi M, Gharabaghi M, Abdollahi H (2018) Effects of type and dosages of organic depressants on pyrite floatability in microflotation system. Adv Powder Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2018.08.015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Subramanian S, Santhiya D, Natarajan KA (2003) Surface modification studies on sulphide minerals using bioreagents. Int J Miner Process. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-7516(03)00097-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Chen SY, Lin PL (2010) Optimization of operating parameters for the metal bioleaching process of contaminated soil. Sep Purif Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2009.11.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Hubau A, Minier M, Chagnes A, Joulian C, Silvente C, Guezennec AG (2020) Recovery of metals in a double-stage continuous bioreactor for acidic bioleaching of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Sep Purif Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2019.116481

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Akcil A (2004) Potential bioleaching developments towards commercial reality: Turkish metal mining’s future. Miner Eng 17:477–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2003.10.016

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Brierley CL (2010) Biohydrometallurgical prospects. Hydrometallurgy 104:324–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2010.03.021

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Yu Z, Han H, Feng P, Zhao S, Zhou T, Kakade A et al (2020) Recent advances in the recovery of metals from waste through biological processes. Bioresour Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122416

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. **a W, **e G, Peng Y (2015) Recent advances in beneficiation for low rank coals. Powder Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2015.03.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Sharma PK (2001) Surface studies relevant to microbial adhesion and bioflotation of sulphide minerals 57–64.

  12. Sanwani E, Chaerun S, Mirahati R, Wahyuningsih T (2016) Bioflotation: bacteria-mineral interaction for eco-friendly and sustainable mineral processing. Procedia Chem. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proche.2016.03.068

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Pecina-Treviño ET, Ramos-Escobedo GT, Gallegos-Acevedo PM, López-Saucedo FJ, Orrantia-Borunda E (2012) Bioflotation of sulfide minerals with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in relation to copper activation and surface oxidation. Can J Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1139/w2012-072

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Pecina ET, Rodríguez M, Castillo P, Díaz V, Orrantia E (2009) Effect of Leptospirillum ferrooxidans on the flotation kinetics of sulphide ores. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2008.12.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Chandraprabha MN, Natarajan KA (2006) Surface chemical and flotation behaviour of chalcopyrite and pyrite in the presence of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Hydrometallurgy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2006.03.021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Tan SN, Burgar I, Chen M (2011) An investigation of biooxidation ability of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans using NMR relaxation measurement. Bioresour Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.06.088

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Tan SN, Chen M (2012) Early stage adsorption behaviour of Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans on minerals I: an experimental approach. Hydrometallurgy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2012.02.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Sakiewicz P, Piotrowski K, Ober J, Karwot J (2020) Innovative artificial neural network approach for integrated biogas—wastewater treatment system modelling: effect of plant operating parameters on process intensification. Renew Sust Energy Rev 124:109784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.109784

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Vilinska A, Rao KH (2008) Leptosririllum ferrooxidans-sulfide mineral interactions with reference to bioflotation nad bioflocculation. Trans Nonferrous Met Soc China. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(09)60016-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Misra M, Bukka K, Chen S (1996) The effect of growth medium of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans on pyrite flotation. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/0892-6875(96)00001-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Townsley CC, Atkins AS, Davis AJ (1987) Suppression of pyritic sulphur during flotation tests using the bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Biotechnol Bioeng. https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.260300102

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. El-Midany AA, Abdel-Khalek MA (2014) Influence of bacteria-coal electrostatic interaction on coal cleaning. Int J Miner Process. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2013.11.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Abdel-Khalek MA, El-Midany AA (2013) Adsorption of Paenibacillus polymyxa and its impact on coal cleaning. Fuel Process Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2013.03.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. San Martín F, Kracht W, Vargas T (2018) Biodepression of pyrite using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in seawater. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2017.11.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. San Martín F, Kracht W, Vargas T, Rudolph M (2020) Mechanisms of pyrite biodepression with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in seawater flotation. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2019.106067

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Nagaoka T, Ohmura N, Saiki H (1999) A novel mineral flotation process using Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Appl Environ Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.65.8.3588-3593.1999

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Chandraprabha MN, Natarajan KA, Modak JM (2004) Selective separation of pyrite and chalcopyrite by biomodulation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2004.06.011

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Hosseini TR, Kolahdoozan M, Tabatabaei YSM, Oliazadeh M, Noaparast M, Eslami A et al (2005) Bioflotation of Sarcheshmeh copper ore using Thiobacillus Ferrooxidans bacteria. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2004.06.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Luque Consuegra G, Kutschke S, Rudolph M, Pollmann K (2020) Halophilic bacteria as potential pyrite bio-depressants in Cu–Mo bioflotation. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2019.106062

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Silverman MP, Lundgren DG (1959) Studies on the chemoautotrophic iron bacterium Ferrobacillus ferrooxidans. I. An improved medium and a harvesting procedure for securing high cell yields. J Bacteriol 77:642–7

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  31. Pereira AAC, Olivera CAC, Merma AG, Hacha RR, Ferreira dos Santos B, Torem ML (2021) Mineral bioflotation optimization: comparison between artificial neural networks and response surface methodology. Miner Eng 169:106983. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MINENG.2021.106983

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Al-Thyabat S (2008) On the optimization of froth flotation by the use of an artificial neural network. J China Univ Mining Technol 18:418–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1006-1266(08)60087-5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Patra P, Natarajan KA (2008) Microbially-induced separation of chalcopyrite and galena. Miner Eng 21:691–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MINENG.2008.01.007

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Guo B, Peng Y, Espinosa-Gomez R (2014) Cyanide chemistry and its effect on mineral flotation. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2014.06.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Hu Y, Wu M, Liu R, Sun W (2020) A review on the electrochemistry of galena flotation. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Zhu J, Li Q, Jiao W, Jiang H, Sand W, **a J et al (2012) Adhesion forces between cells of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans or Leptospirillum ferrooxidans and chalcopyrite. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.01.022

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Dwyer R, Bruckard WJ, Rea S, Holmes RJ (2012) Bioflotation and bioflocculation review: microorganisms relevant for mineral beneficiation. Miner Process Extr Metall. https://doi.org/10.1179/1743285512Y.0000000005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Das A, Hanumantha Rao K, Sharma P, Natarajan KA, Forssberg KSE (1999) Surface chemical and adsorption studies using Thiobacillus ferrooxidans with reference to bacterial adhesion to sulfide minerals. Process Metall. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1572-4409(99)80072-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Sarvamangala H, Natarajan KA, Girisha ST (2013) Microbially-induced pyrite removal from galena using Bacillus subtilis. Int J Miner Process. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2013.02.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Vasanthakumar B, Ravishankar H, Subramanian S (2017) Selective bio-flotation of sphalerite from galena using mineral—adapted strains of Bacillus subtilis. Miner Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2017.05.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Vasanthakumar B, Ravishankar H, Subramanian S (2013) Microbially induced selective flotation of sphalerite from galena using mineral-adapted strains of Bacillus megaterium. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2013.07.034

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

For analytical services, the authors gratefully acknowledge the X-ray Laboratory of the School of Mining, College of Engineering, University of Tehran. Technical support by the Mineral Processing and Geochemistry Laboratories staff is also gratefully acknowledged.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran

    Morteza Shahbaznejad, Hadi Abdollahi, Mahdi Gharabaghi, Mirsaleh Mirmohammadi & Ali Rezaei

  2. Department of Materials Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Roozbeh Saneie

Authors
  1. Morteza Shahbaznejad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hadi Abdollahi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mahdi Gharabaghi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mirsaleh Mirmohammadi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ali Rezaei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Roozbeh Saneie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

MS: investigation, methodology, software, formal analysis, validation, data curation, writing—original draft, writing—review and editing, and visualization. HA: conceptualization, methodology, validation, supervision, project administration, funding acquisition, writing—review, and editing. MG: supervision, funding acquisition, and resources. MM: resources, funding acquisition, and conceptualization. AR: resources, funding acquisition, and conceptualization. RS: validation, writing—review, and editing

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hadi Abdollahi.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

The contributing editor for this article was Grace Ofori-Sarpong.

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Shahbaznejad, M., Abdollahi, H., Gharabaghi, M. et al. Sulfide Mineral Bioflotation Optimization and Prediction by Mixed Mesophilic Bacteria as a Green Alternative for Chemical Reagents. J. Sustain. Metall. 10, 143–158 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40831-023-00781-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40831-023-00781-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation