International Journal on Science and Technology

E-ISSN: 2229-7677     Impact Factor: 9.88

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 17 Issue 2 April-June 2026 Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of April-June.

Microbial Bioleaching: Harnessing Acidithiobacillus for Sustainable Extraction of Iron and Copper from Mineral Ores

Author(s) J. Usha Rani, K. Gomathi, Niharika Chavali, Niikhhel Thota, Medaboine Rakshitha, Purohith Vishwa Prasanna, B. Siva Prasad
Country India
Abstract Microbial bioleaching offers a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional mining methods, which often involve energy-intensive processes and harmful chemicals like cyanide, leading to environmental degradation. This study investigates the use of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (Strain: NCIM 5370) to recover valuable metals from low-grade ores and mining waste, minimizing ecological impact. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficiency of these microorganisms in solubilizing metal ores under controlled conditions, optimizing growth parameters to maximize metal extraction, and assessing the environmental benefits in comparison to conventional methods. Bioleaching, one of the key mechanisms in bio-mining, employs microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to oxidize sulfides and ferrous iron, creating acidic conditions that facilitate the extraction of metals in an environmentally friendly manner. These microorganisms thrive in extreme conditions, converting insoluble metal compounds into soluble forms, thus enabling efficient recovery. Another mechanism, bioremediation, addresses environmental damage caused by mining activities, including acid mine drainage and heavy metal contamination. By utilizing bacteria, fungi, or plants to neutralize or immobilize toxins, bioremediation offers a sustainable solution to industrial waste management and environmental restoration. This research also explores the scalability of bioleaching for industrial use and investigates potential enhancements through microbial optimization. The findings support the integration of bioleaching into sustainable mining practices, offering a viable alternative to conventional methods. By bridging lab-scale results with real-world applications, this study advances the adoption of eco-friendly metal recovery technologies.
Keywords Bioleaching, Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans, Iron, Copper, Metal Recovery
Published In Conference / Special Issue (Volume 17 | Issue 1) - One Day National Seminar on “Advances in Life Sciences for Diversity, Applications, and Human Welfare” (ALSDAHW-2025) (March 2026)
Published On 2026-03-16
DOI https://doi.org/10.71097/IJSAT.ALSDAHW-2025.114

Share this