Resumo

PELAEZ MORALES, Héctor Alonso et al. Influence of the initial relation of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ in the process of biodesulfuration of a coal sample solution. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.2, pp.211-217. ISSN 0188-4999.

In this study there was evaluated the influence of the initial relation of Fe³+/Fe²+ in a process of biodesulfurization of a coal sample. We used a culture medium and a strain ofAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, with an initial concentration of 1200 mg/L total iron, varying the Fe³+/Fe²+ ratio between 80:20, 50:50 and 20:80. It was used a particle size minus 60 mesh (dp<246 um). The process was monitored by periodic measures of pH, redox potential, concentration of total iron, Fe³+ and Fe2+ in solution. According to the obtained results, experiments using proportions Fe³+/Fe²+ of 50:50 and 20:80 showed better efficiency, presenting the highest percentages of bioleaching of iron in solution, reaching respectively 65% and 74% of oxidation of pyrite, after 14 days of process.

Palavras-chave : bioleaching; acidophilic bacteria; inorganic sulfur; pyrite.