Bioleaching of copper converter slag using aspergillus niger isolated from lateritic nickel ore

Author:

L. B. Sukla, R. N. Kar & V. V. Panchanadikar

Date: 18 July 2012

Abstract:

Bioleaching of copper converter slag of M/S Hindustan Copper Limited, Ghatsila, India, was carried out using a strain of Aspergillus niger isolated from the Sukinda Lateritic Nickel Ore. The organism was enriched in 2% potato dextrose broth prior to leaching in the same medium with different solid to liquid ratios by varying dextrose concentration from 2-10%. Control (without organism) was kept under identical conditions to determine the background level of leaching. Positive control experiments with oxalic, acetic and succinic acids (1M) were also done. Experimental and control flasks were incubated at 37° on a rotary shaker for 72 hours.
The maximum leaching of Cu, Co and Ni was found to be 47, 50 and 23% respectively, at 2% solid liquid ratio. Of the three organic acids tested, succinic acid was found to be relatively better in leaching out the metals. Increase of dextrose concentration increased the metal recovery at the same solid: liquid ratio. Findings are discussed for the use of heterotrophic microorganisms in mineral bioleaching.

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