Bacterially generated H2SO4 from pyrite, as a leaching agent for phosphorus from phosphate ore

Abstract

The object of this study was to investigate the possibility of phosphorus leaching from mixture of phosphate ore and pyrite minerals, in laboratory conditions using sulfuric acid generated by bacterial culture of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (At. ferrooxidans), because the possible application of these mixtures as a natural phosphate fertilizers. Results obtained show that phosphorus has been leached from the test mixture up to 34,5 % in suspension with At. ferrooxidans, and in the same time, degree of leaching in control suspension (without At. ferrooxidans) was up to 3,8 %