Analysis of molybdenite bioleaching by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in the absence of iron (II)

Summary Thiobacillus ferrooxidans attachment on MoS² and Mo dissolution are increased by the addition of the tensioactive agent Tween 80 in absence of iron(II), which suggests that the poor bioleaching of MoS² is caused by its hydrophobic character. Additionally, inhibition ofThiobacillus ferrooxidans growth by the presence of MoO₄^2– and the effect of variable amounts of Tween 80 on bacteria growth and on MoS² bioleaching are considered in this paper. Data confirm the need of bacterial attachment to insoluble substrate for bioleaching by the direct mechanism.