The effect of various parameters on the biological uranium extraction using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and ore from Anomaly 2 of Saghand in Yazd

Bioleaching is the biological conversion of an insoluble metal compound to form soluble in water which was influenced by several parameters. One of the important microorganisms involved in the uranium bioleaching process, is Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Based on the importance and the effects of environmental parameters in the uranium bioleaching process and bacterial activity, the aim of this study is to obtain the optimal values of 5 important parameters in the process of uranium bioleaching. For this purpose, the natives Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, APH medium and the ore from Anomali 2 of Saghand in Yazd used and different parameters affecting on the uranium extraction, including shaking, pH, temperature, pulp density, and initial ferrous iron concentration were studied at different levels. The results of this study indicated that the maximum yields of uranium extraction and Eh values were observed at 150rpm, pH= 2, temperature 35 ° C, PD=5% (w/v) and 10 g/L of [FeSO4.7H2O].