Microbial Processing of Metal Sulfides

The application of microbiological methods to the extraction of metals from minerals has definitely gained a prominent role and is supported by the several bioleaching and biooxidation processes operating in different sites over the world. In recent years new techniques and new results about proteomic and bioinformatics are bringing a new perspective on the microbial processes.

This book focuses on the basic aspects of the process with special emphasis on recent contributions regarding the chemical and microbial aspects of the bioleaching process and the use of microorganisms in the treatment of complex ores and concentrates.

It has been written by recognized researchers in order to introduce the main subjects of microbial processing to undergraduate and postgraduate students, scientists working in this field as well as interested industrialists.

Gives a unique and in-depth description of mechanisms of bioleaching and the role played by exopolymers substances in the interfacial degradation of metal sulfides Includes new evidence supplied by new techniques (electrochemical techniques, atomic force microscope) Shows recent results about proteomic and bioinformatics which are bringing a new perspective on the microbial processes Explains the bioleaching fundamentals and the bioleaching applications at different scales

Inhalt
Fundamentals, microorganisms and mechanisms.- Microorganisms Involved in Bioleaching and Nucleic Acid-Based Molecular Methods for Their Identification and Quantification.- Mechanisms and biochemical fundamentals of bacterial metal sulfide oxidation.- Electrochemical Techniques Used To Study BacteriaL-Metal Sulfides Interactions In Acidic Environments.- Catalytic Role of Silver and Other Ions on The Mechanism of Chemical and Biological Leaching.- Recovery Of Zinc, Nickel, Cobalt And Other Metals By Bioleaching.- Bioleaching Of Metals In Neutral And Slightly Alkaline Environment.- Bioreactors and Bioheaps.- Bioleaching Of Sulfide Minerals In Continuous Stirred Tanks.- Bioreactor Design Fundamentals And Their Application To Gold Mining.- Airlift Reactors: Characterization And Applications In Biohydrometallurgy.- Principles, Mechanisms And Dynamics Of Chalcocite Heap Bioleaching.- Genetics and Molecular Biology.- The Use Of Bioinformatics And Genome Biology To Advance Our Understanding Of Bioleaching Microorganisms.- Proteomics And Metaproteomics Applied To Biomining Microorganisms.- Cell-Cell Communication In Bacteria.- Other Applications.- Bioflotation And Bioflocculation Of Relevance To Minerals Bioprocessing.- Hydrogen Sulfide Removal From Gaseous Effluents.