Actividad 7.

Uso de bases de datos

a) Elija una base de datos (www.utpl.edu.ec y entre a Biblioteca)

b) Realice una búsqueda de literatura relacionada con su tema de investigación, de manera

que tenga alrededor de 20 artículos recientes, importantes y en publicaciones reconocidas.
Imprima la búsqueda con sus respectivos resumenes.

A Visual Insight into the Oxidation of Sulfide Minerals During Bioleaching and
Chemical Leaching of a Complex Ore
Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review: An International Journal
Volume 31, Issue 3, 2010, Pages 176 - 190
Authors: H. Devecia; T. Ballb
DOI: 10.1080/08827508.2010.482859

Abstract

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) study was performed to provide a visual insight
into the oxidation patterns of sulfide minerals during chemical and bacterial leaching
of a complex ore for 3 days. The mineral grains were studied under SEM before and
after bacterial and chemical leaching with or without the addition of ferrous iron to
generate ferric iron in situ by bacteria or chemical oxidant (MnO 2). Both mesophilic
and moderately thermophilic cultures of bacteria were used in bioleaching tests. A
limited oxidation of sphalerite and pyrite, similar to those in acid leaching (control),
was observed to occur when no ferrous iron was added. However, the initial addition
of ferrous iron into bioleaching media was shown to significantly improve the oxidation
of sphalerite and pyrite. Galena was readily oxidized in the presence or absence of
bacteria. Sphalerite was oxidized more extensively/selectively than chalcopyrite and
pyrite, consistent with their respective nobility/electrochemical activity. Provided that
chemical/biological oxidation of sphalerite was intensive, a sulfur-rich layer appeared
to form on mineral surface. But, no such layer on pyrite surfaces was discernable.
Supplementary bioleaching data were also provided to support SEM observations and
to further elucidate the bioleaching characteristics of these sulfide phases. It can be
inferred from this study that the oxidation of sulfides proceeds most discernibly via
“indirect mechanism” and the generation of ferric iron by bacteria in sufficient
quantity is essential for the effective oxidation of sulfide minerals.

BIOLEACHING OF METALS FROM ANAEROBIC SEWAGE SLUDGE: EFFECTS OF TOTAL

SOLIDS, LEACHING MICROORGANISMS, AND ENERGY SOURCE
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Toxic/Hazardous Substances
and Environmental Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 5, 2001, Pages 793 - 806
Authors: Ana T. Lombardia; Oswaldo Garcia Jr.a; Antonio A. Mozetob
DOI: 10.1081/ESE-100103761
Abstract

The effects of municipal sewage sludge solids concentration, leaching microorganisms

(Thiobacillus thiooxidans or Thiobacillus ferrooxidans) and the addition of energy
source (S0 or Fe(II)) on the bioleaching of metals from sewage sludge has been
investigated under laboratory conditions using shake flasks. The results show that
metal solubilization was better accomplished if additional energy source is
supplemented to the microorganisms and that T. thiooxidans furnishes, in general,
more adequate conditions for the bioleaching than T. ferrooxidans. At a total solids
concentration of 70 gL-1 (originally present in the sludge) pH drop and ORP increase are
attenuated, so metal solubilization is negatively affected. It was also demonstrated
that if lead (Pb) solubilization is to be achieved, than a special combination of
microorganism/energy source must be applied.

Study of Bacterial Attachment During the Bioleaching of Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, and

Sphalerite
Geomicrobiology Journal
Volume 20, Issue 2, 2003, Pages 131 - 141
Authors: Yohana Rodr guez; Antonio Ballester; Mar a Luisa Bl zquez; Felisa Gonz
lez; Jes s Angel Mu oz
DOI: 10.1080/01490450303880
Abstract

In this study the degree of bacterial attachment of the main microorganisms involved
in the bioleaching of metal sulfides and their influence on the dissolution rate and final
metal extractions were determined. Three different mineral sulfides were bioleached:
chalcopyrite (CuFeS 2 ), sphalerite (ZnS) and pyrite (FeS 2 ). A mixed culture of
mesophilic bacteria ( Acidithiobacillus and Leptospirillum spp.) was tested at 35°C and
thermophilic bacteria ( Sulfolobus spp.) were tested at 68°C. The results confirmed
that a relationship exists between attachment and mineral dissolution rates. The
bioleaching process can be divided into three stages. An initial stage with extensive
bacterial attachment to the pyritic phase, which is of major importance in order to
obtain high dissolution rates (since attached cells liberate Fe 2+ by contact bioleaching
and oxidize Fe 2+ to Fe 3+ avoiding iron accumulation at the surface). In a second stage
the bacterial attachment diminishes due to the saturation of the surface by the
attached cells. This limitation, together with the presence of Fe 2+ in solution,
produces an increase in the concentration of free cells, which use Fe 2+ as an energy
source. Finally, in a third stage, a balance between free and attached cells is reached,
giving rise to a cooperative mechanism. In this case, the attached cells attack the pyrite
phase of the mineral generating Fe 2+ . This in turn is oxidized by the free cells in
solution, regenerating the oxidizing agent (Fe 3+ ) for the indirect bioleaching of the
mineral.

Effect of Anaerobic Digestion and Initial pH on Metal Bioleaching from Sewage

Sludge
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Toxic/Hazardous Substances
and Environmental Engineering
Volume 41, Issue 2, 2006, Pages 211 - 222
Authors: Luciene D. VILLARa; Oswaldo GARCIA JR.a
DOI: 10.1080/10934520500354516
Abstract

The effects of anaerobic digestion and initial pH on the bioleaching of metals from
sewage sludge were investigated in shake flask experiments. A strain of
Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans was employed in the assays using secondary and
anaerobic sludges, which resulted in similar solubilization yields of the metals
chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc for both the sludges investigated. The effect
of initial pH (7.0 and 4.0) on metal bioleaching was assayed by using the anaerobic
sludge inoculated with indigenous sulfur-oxidizing thiobacilli. Although the time
required to reach the end of the experiment (final pH close to 1.0) was shortened at
initial pH of 4.0, final metal solubilization was not significantly different for both initial
pH values, resulting in higher solubilization yields for copper, nickel, and zinc (higher
than 80%). Chromium and lead presented solubilization yields close to 50%. The results
obtained in this work showed that the metal bioleaching process can be applied to
sewage sludge regardless of the type of sludge and without the requirement of pH
adjustment.

Effect of sulphur concentration on bioleaching of heavy metals from contaminated

dredged sediments
Environmental Technology
Volume 30, Issue 12, 2009, Pages 1241 - 1248
Authors: D. Fangab; L. Zhaob; Z. Q. Yangb; H. X. Shanab; Y. Gaob; Q. Yangb
DOI: 10.1080/09593330903045115
Abstract

The sulphur-based bioleaching process using sulphur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) has been
demonstrated to be a feasible technology for removing heavy metals from
contaminated sediments, but the excess sulphur application will lead to the re-
acidification of bioleached sediments. The objective of the present study was to
examine the effect of sulphur concentration on the bioleaching of heavy metals from
contaminated sediments, with the ultimate purpose of minimizing the sulphur
addition. The results showed that the inoculation of 7% of indigenous SOB, containing
3.6 108 colony forming units (CFU) mL-1, and addition of elemental sulphur as a
substrate (0.5 to 7.0 g L-1) resulted in a sharp decrease in sediment pH from an initial
pH 8.0 to pH 1.4-2.4 and an increase in ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) from -10
mV to 500 mV within 10 days of bioleaching. Although the increase in sulphur
concentration enhanced the rates of pH reduction and ORP elevation, the bioleaching
process with the addition of 3.0 g L-1 of sulphur was already sufficient to reach
conditions of acidity (pH < 2.0) and ORP (500 mV) necessary for a satisfactory removal
of metals, and, at day 10, 71.8% of Cu, 58.2% of Zn, and 25.3% of Cr were removed
from the sediments. During the bioleaching process, Zn removal increased with a
reduction in pH, whereas the removal of Cu and Cr increased not only with a reduction
in pH but also with an increase in ORP. Results of sequential selective extraction
indicated that the final levels of metal removals were dependent on their speciation
distribution in the original sediments, and after bioleaching those unremoved metals in
the bioleached sediments mainly existed in the residual fraction.

Bioleaching of Cr from Tannery Sludge: The Effects of Initial Acid Addition and
Recycling of Acidified Bioleached Sludge
Environmental Technology
Volume 26, Issue 3, 2005, Pages 277 - 284
Authors: L. X. Zhou; D. Fang; S. M. Wang; J. W. C. Wong; D. Z. Wang
DOI: 10.1080/09593332608618558
Abstract

A technologically feasible process called bioleaching was used to remove Cr from

tannery sludge with Acidithiobacilli TS6 bacteria in this study. The buffering capacity of
tannery sludge and municipal sewage sludge were compared. The effects of initial
sulfuric acid addition on bioleaching process and influences of recycle rate of acidified
bioleached sludge on subsequent bioleaching reaction were examined. The quantities
of initial sulfuric acid addition ranged from 0 to 0.185 ml g -1 dry sludge. Recycle
rate(Vbioleached/Vtotal) was controlled at 1/3, 1/2, 3/5 and 2/3. We found that tannery
sludge had a higher buffering capacity than sewage sludge. The results showed that
there was an increase in the rates of pH reduction and Cr solubilization with the
increase of initial sulfuric acid addition. The suitable quantity of sulfuric acid addition
was 0.185 ml g-1 dry sludge at the beginning of the first bioleaching process. After 10
days of bioleaching, pH reached 1.5 and almost 100% of Cr could be leached in this
case. Besides, an evidently dividing point pH 2.0 was found to be the threshold value
for considerable Cr solubilization during the leaching reaction. Recycle experiments
confirmed that the application of the method by recycling acidified sludge to launch
subsequent bioleaching is feasible. The optimal recycle rate of acidified sludge for
consecutive leaching of Cr from tannery sludge is 2/3.

Evaluation on the Feasibility of Microbially Enhanced Electrokinetic Removal of

Multiple Heavy Metals from Tailing Soil
Separation Science and Technology
Volume 44, Issue 10, 2009, Pages 2322 - 2340
Authors: Keun-Young Leea; Ki-Rak Kima; Byung-Tae Leeb; Ju-Yong Kima; Kyoung-Woong
Kima; Soon-Oh Kimc
DOI: 10.1080/01496390902983653

Abstract

Lab-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the enhanced

electrokinetics combined with anaerobic and aerobic bioleaching processes for
remediation of tailing soil. The tailing soil contained multiple heavy metals, such as As,
Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. To begin with, the applicability of both anaerobic
and aerobic bioleaching was investigated as a pretreatment step to transform them
into more mobile forms. In the anaerobic bioleaching, the supply of carbon source into
the soil stimulated anaerobic metal reducing bacteria with dissolution of heavy metals,
As, Fe, Mn, and Zn. In the aerobic bioleaching, on the other hand, indigenous sulfur
oxidizing bacteria oxidized elemental sulfur with acidifying soil and mobilizing heavy
metals, such as As, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn. To compare the removal efficiencies between
individual and combined processes, individual electrokinetics was conducted as a
control with only electrolyte conditioning and the tailing soils pretreated by
bioleaching were sequentially applied to the electrokinetics to simulate the combined
process. Generally speaking, the microbially enhanced electrokinetics showed higher
removal efficiencies of almost all the heavy metals tested than the individual
electrokinetics, because bioleaching process converted the heavy metals to be labile.
One more synergistic effect of the combined processes was that bioleaching enhanced
the rate of acidification of tailing soil, which offers a more suitable condition for
electrokinetics. The highest removal efficiency of Co, Mn, Ni, and Zn was accomplished
in the electrokinetic process combined with anaerobic bioleaching (72.5%, 66.4%,
57.9%, and 76.7%, respectively), whereas that of As, Cd, and Pb was rendered in the
process combined with aerobic bioleaching (27.2%, 46.6%, and 25.0%, respectively).
The results indicate that the performance of the combination between bioleaching and
electrokinetics is significantly dependent on the species of heavy metals to be
removed. In addition, this study verifies that the electroosmotical injection of carbon
sources is feasible to activate the indigenous microorganisms in the anaerobic
bioleaching coupled with the electrokinetics.

Bioleaching of Sulfide Mineral in Stirred Tank Reactors Operated in a Variety of

Modes
Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review: An International Journal
Volume 19, Issue 1 & 4, 1998, Pages 129 - 140
Authors: Yasuhiro Konishia; Satoru Asaia
DOI: 10.1080/08827509608962435
Abstract

This paper reviews analysis and modeling for the bioleaching of pyrite in stirred tank
reactors operated in a variety of modes: batch, repeated-batch and continuous flow. In
a batch reactor, rate data were consistent with a kinetic model assuming that the
growth rate of adsorbed bacteria on the mineral surface is proportional to the product
of the concentration of adsorbed cells and the fraction of adsorption sites unoccupied
by cells. In this modeling, the adsorbed cell concentration was related to the free cell
concentration in liquid medium through the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The
reactor model for batch operation is used to investigate the effect of solution
replacement on bioleaching rate in repeated-batch reactor. Moreover, the batch
model is extended to analyze and model the bioleaching in a continuous-flow tank
reactor.

Effects of sulfur forms on heavy metals bioleaching from contaminated sediments

Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Toxic/Hazardous Substances
and Environmental Engineering
Volume 44, Issue 7, 2009, Pages 714 - 721
Authors: D. Fangab; L. Zhaoa; L. X. Zhouc; H. X. Shana
DOI: 10.1080/10934520902847869
Abstract

The use of recyclable forms of sulfur will exclude the risk of sediment reacidification
and reduce the cost of bioleaching process. Three different forms of sulfur (namely
sulfur powder, prills and pieces) were used to examine the utilization and recycle of
sulfur, used as energy substrate for sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in the bioleaching of
heavy metal-contaminated sediments. The results showed that despite their relatively
smaller surface areas, the efficiency of metal bioleaching with sulfur prills and pieces
were comparable to that with sulfur powder. After 13 days of bioleaching, 71-74% of
Zn, 58-62% of Cu, and 22-31% of Cr could be leached from the sediments, respectively.
During bioleaching, most of the oxidizable and reducible forms of metals were
transformed to acid soluble, posing a favorable condition for final metals removal.
Sulfur recycling experiments showed that the recovered sulfur prills and pieces were as
the same effective in pH reduction as fresh sulfur, revealing the feasibility of eventual
reuse of the recycled sulfur in the bioleaching process. Further studies are required to
testify the performance of these recyclable forms of sulfur in future large-scale
bioleaching reactor.

Removal of Cr from tannery sludge by indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria

Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Toxic/Hazardous Substances
and Environmental Engineering
Volume 42, Issue 13, 2007, Pages 2065 - 2069
Authors: D. Fanga; C. J. Jina; L. X. Zhoub
DOI: 10.1080/10934520701631670

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine Cr removal from tannery sludge by
bioleaching method using indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria with special emphasis
on the influence of bioleaching process on sludge settleability. Chemical leaching with
sulfuric acid was designed as the control. The results showed that the inoculation of
sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and the addition of elemental sulfur were effective in
removing Cr from tannery sludge. After 144 hours of bioleaching, 98% of Cr could be
leached. Although it took only 8 hours to reduce the sludge pH from 7.8 to about 2.0
by chemical leaching as compared to 144 hours for bioleaching treatment, chemical
leaching removed only 91% of the total Cr. Regardless of bioleaching and chemical
leaching treatments, sludge settleability improved considerably with a decrease in
sludge pH. Bioleaching treatment performed better than chemical leaching in terms of
the percentage of settled sludge and the effluent suspended solids (ESS) content in
sludge supernatant. Nevertheless, further work should be carried out to investigate
the precise mechanisms leading to such enhanced sludge settleability during sludge
bioleaching process.

Uso combinado de dos biorreactores en la biolixiviación de un mineral sulfurado de

cobre
Combined use of two bioreactors in bioleaching of a copper sulphide ore

V. de la Fuente; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Comahue, A.

Giaveno; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Comahue, P.
Chiacchiarini; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Comahue, L.
Lavalle; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Comahue, E. Donati;
Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Universidad Nacional de la Plata.
Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, P. Tedesco;
Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires

Ver filiación de los autores

  Autores

V. de la Fuente; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Comahue

A. Giaveno; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Comahue

P. Chiacchiarini; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Comahue

L. Lavalle; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Comahue

E. Donati; Dpto. de Química. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Universidad Nacional de la

Plata. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires

P. Tedesco; Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires

La biolixiviación de minerales sulfurados de baja ley, utilizando microorganismos

mesófilos, es una vía alternativa económicamente viable para la recuperación de
ciertos metales de bajo costo. Habitualmente, los procesos de biolixiviación se realizan
con los microorganismos en contacto directo con el mineral, lo que ocasiona ciertos
inconvenientes (depósitos sólidos sobre el mineral, toxicidad de los iones sobre las
bacterias, etc.). Estos inconvenientes pueden superarse mediante el uso de una
metodología indirecta, generando el medio lixiviante a través de biorreactores. Estos
consisten, esencialmente, en soportes saturados de bacterias adheridas a través de los
cuales se hace pasar medio fresco para generar el medio lixiviante deseado. En este
trabajo, se propone una combinación de dos biorreactores: uno, utilizado
previamente, que genera medio oxidante a través de la acción del Thiobacillus
ferrooxidans, y otro, presentado aquí, generador de medio sulfúrico por acción del
Thiobacillus thiooxidans. Este sistema combinado se ha utilizado para lixiviar un
mineral sulfurado de cobre de baja ley, logrando una recuperación importante del
metal. La incorporación del biorreactor generador de ácido sulfúrico permitió eliminar
los inconvenientes provocados por los depósitos de jarosita sobre el mineral, a un
valor de pH relativamente bajo, manteniendo una elevada concentración de oxidante
(ion Fe (III)) durante todo el proceso.

Bioleaching of sulphide ores using mesophiles microorganisms is an alternative way,

economically viable, for certain inexpensive metals recovery. Generally, in these
processes some problems become from the direct contact of microorganisms with the
ore (deposits, toxicity of ions on the bacteria, etc.). To prevent these troubles, an
indirect methodology with the so called bioreactors to generate the leaching medium
may be used. These are supports saturated with attached bacteria through which fresh
liquid medium is precolated to generate the lixiviant solution. In this paper a two
combined bioreactors system is proposed; one of them, previously used, generates
oxidant medium through the use of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and other, introduced in
this work, produces sulphuric acid medium using Thiobacillus thiooxidans. This
combined system has been used to leach a copper sulphide mineral with an important
recovery of the metal. The sulphuric acid producing bioreactor prevented troubles
associated with jarosites deposits on the ore, which appear at low pH. At the same
time a high concentration of oxidant agent (Fe(III) ion) is maintained during the
process.

Palabras clave: Bioreactors; Bioleaching; Sulphide ores; Thiobacillus thiooxidans;

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

Mecanismo de biolixiviación de sulfuros metálicos

Mechanisms of metal sulfide bioleaching

Y. Rodríguez; Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de

Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, A. Ballester; Dpto. de Ciencia
de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad
Complutense de Madrid, M. L. Blázquez; Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e
Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de
Madrid, F. González; Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica,
Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, J. A. Muñoz;
Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de Ciencias
Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Ver filiación de los autores

  Autores

Y. Rodríguez; Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de

Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

A. Ballester; Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de

Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

M. L. Blázquez; Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad

de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

F. González; Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de

Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

J. A. Muñoz; Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de

Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

La biolixiviación se presenta como una de las técnicas hidrometalúrgicas del futuro

para el tratamiento de concentrados minerales sulfurados, dadas sus ventajas
ampliamente reconocidas. A pesar de ello, su implantación a nivel industrial no ha
progresado en los últimos años porque aun no se ha resuelto la principal desventaja
que presenta: su lenta cinética. Esta problemática exige un mejor conocimiento del
mecanismo del proceso, lo que permitiría un mayor control y mejor aprovechamiento
de las posibilidades de esta técnica en las diferentes aplicaciones de interés industrial.
Esta revisión bibliográfica pretende resumir el estado actual del tema, presentando los
fundamentos de los modelos de biolixiviación hasta ahora propuestos, donde se
integran los estudios del comportamiento químico y electroquímico del proceso y el
papel de los microorganismos en la interface disolución-mineral. Asimismo, se abordan
aspectos importantes como los recientes adelantos en un aspecto básico: los
parámetros químicos y electroquímicos del proceso, la importancia de los
exopolisacáridos (EPS) excretados por las bacterias durante su adhesión al mineral, y la
función que cumple el Fe+3 atrapado en estos EPS.

Among the hydrometallurgical techniques for the treatment of sulfide mineral

concentrates, bioleaching is one with a high application potential on the base of its
advances widely recognized. In spite of it, its development at industrial level has been
slow due to its main drawback: its low kinetics. The start-up of bioleaching processes
needs necessarily a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in the
dissolution of mineral sulfides, in order to control and improve industrial scale-up. This
bibliographic review collects the present state on the subject through the
fundamentals of bioleaching models which integrate both the chemical-
electrochemical behavior and the role played by microorganisms on the interface
solution-mineral. At the same time other important aspects included in this paper are:
the latest findings on chemical and electrochemical parameters of the process, the
importance of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) excreted by leach bacteria
during its adherence to mineral particles, and the function played by the ferric iron
trapped within this layer of EPS.

Palabras clave: Biohydrometallurgy; Bioleaching; Mechanism; Metal sulfides;

Influencia de la temperatura en la fijación y penetración de la plata durante la
lixiviación de calcopirita con microorganismos termófilos moderados
Influence of temperature on the fixation and penetration of silver during the
chalcopyrite leaching using moderate thermophilic microorganisms

L. Cancho; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad

de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, M. L. Blázquez;
Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de Ciencias
Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, J. A. Muñoz; Departamento de Ciencia
de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad
Complutense de Madrid, F. González; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e
Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de
Madrid, A. Ballester; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica,
Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid1

Ver filiación de los autores

  Autores

L. Cancho; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad

de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

M. L. Blázquez; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica,

Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

J. A. Muñoz; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad

de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

F. González; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad

de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

A. Ballester; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Facultad

de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid1

La biolixiviación de la calcopirita con microorganismos mesófilos mejora

considerablemente cuando se utiliza plata en el medio de reacción. Sin embargo, los
estudios realizados con microorganismos termófilos moderados no muestran una
mejora significativa con respecto a la utilización de bacterias mesófilas. El objetivo del
presente trabajo ha sido el estudio de la fijación de plata sobre calcopirita a 35 y 45 °C
y su influencia en el ataque microbiológico. Se han realizado observaciones con SEM,
microanálisis por EDS y perfiles de concentración con microsonda electrónica. El
estudio de las distintas muestras reveló que la fijación de la plata fue más favorable a
35 que a 45 °C y que la acción bacteriana favoreció la penetración de la plata a través
de las grietas de ataque.

Bioleaching of chalcopyrite using mesophilic microorganisms considerably improves in

the presence of silver. However, the studies carried out with moderate thermophilic
microorganisms do not show a significant improvement with regard to the use of
mesophilic bacteria. The main objective of the present work has been to study the
silver fixation on chalcopyrite at 35 and 45 °C and its influence on the microbiological
attack. Different observations using SEM, EDS microanalysis and concentration profiles
using electron microprobe have been carried out. The study of the different samples
showed that silver fixation was more favourable at 35 °C than at 45 °C. In addition,
bacterial action improved silver penetration through attack cracks.

Palabras clave: bioleaching; chalcopyrite; moderate thermophilic microorganisms;

superficial fixation of silver

Respuesta metalúrgica de fracciones finas de minerales sulfurados de cobre en un

proceso combinado de flotación modificada y biolixiviación agitada
Metallurgical behavior of fine fractions of copper sulfide minerals in a combined
process of modified flotation and agitated bioleaching

J. P. Ibáñez; Departamento de Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Universidad Arturo Prat, J.

Ipinza; Departamento de Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Universidad Arturo Prat, N. Collao;
Superintendencia de Operaciones, Compañía Minera Quebrada Blanca S.A., G.
Ahlborn; Superintendencia de Operaciones, Compañía Minera Quebrada Blanca S.A.

Ver filiación de los autores

  Autores

J. P. Ibáñez; Departamento de Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Universidad Arturo Prat

J. Ipinza; Departamento de Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Universidad Arturo Prat

N. Collao; Superintendencia de Operaciones, Compañía Minera Quebrada Blanca S.A.

G. Ahlborn; Superintendencia de Operaciones, Compañía Minera Quebrada Blanca S.A.

Se estudió la respuesta metalúrgica de la fracción fina, 100 % -100 # ASTM, de un

mineral sulfurado de cobre de la Compañía Minera Quebrada Blanca S.A., sometido a
una etapa de concentración mediante flotación en medio acuoso modificado
(FEMAM®) con metanol y la posterior biolixiviación agitada de este concentrado. Al
emplear un 1 % v/v de metanol se logran los mejores resultados: una recuperación
metalúrgica de cobre y hierro de 88 y 43 %, respectivamente, y una recuperación en
peso del 18 %. Lo cual indica una alta selectividad de este tipo de flotación para
especies sulfuradas de cobre. El concentrado FEMAM® fue posteriormente sometido a
una etapa de biolixiviación agitada en ausencia y presencia del medio nutriente 9 K,
lográndose el 80 % de extracción de cobre a los 17 y 10 días, respectivamente. Esto
permite concluir que una ruta de concentración-biolixiviación es una alternativa
tecnológica apropiada para procesar la fracción fina de minerales sulfurados de cobre.
The metallurgical behavior of fine fractions of copper sulfide minerals of Compañía
Minera Quebrada Blanca S.A. was studied by concentration through flotation in
aqueous media modified by alcohol followed by bioleaching of the concentrates. By
using a 1 % v/v of methanol, the metallurgical recovery of copper reaches 88 %, while
the iron recovery was 43 %, the weight recovery was 18%, which indicates a high
selectivity. These concentrates were then bioleached with and without nutrient
medium, reaching 80 % of copper recovery after 10 and 17 days, respectively. Then, it
is possible to conclude that this concentration-bioleaching metallurgical process is a
promising route for copper recovery from the fine fraction of sulfide minerals.

Palabras clave: Metallurgical behavior;Fine fractions of copper;Sulfide

minerals;Alcoholic flotation;Bioleaching;Copper recovery

Recuperación de cobre en escorias mediante biolixiviación indirecta

Copper recovery from slag by indirect bioleaching

A. Mazuelos; Departamento de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Sevilla, N.

Iglesias; Departamento de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Sevilla, R. Romero;
Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Chile, O. Forcat; Departamento
de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Sevilla, F. Carranza; Departamento de
Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Sevilla

Ver filiación de los autores

  Autores

A. Mazuelos; Departamento de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Sevilla

N. Iglesias; Departamento de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Sevilla

R. Romero; Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Chile

O. Forcat; Departamento de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Sevilla

F. Carranza; Departamento de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Sevilla

Cerrar ventana

En los procesos pirometalúrgicos, parte del cobre se pierde en la escoria que se genera
como residuo del proceso, pudiendo estar presente en ella, en concentraciones muy
superiores a las de muchas menas. El cobre se encuentra formando parte de pequeñas
partículas de mata, metal blanco y blister, ocluidas en fase de fayalita. En este trabajo se
ha probado la viabilidad técnica del proceso BRISA, que está basado en la
biolixiviación indirecta, para el tratamiento de este residuo. Se ha caracterizado una
escoria con un 2 % en cobre, desde los planos químico, granulométrico y metalográfico.
Este material se ha lixiviado con disoluciones de sulfato férrico en reactores agitados,
estudiándose el efecto de diversas variables. A partir de los resultados obtenidos, e
incluyendo un estudio económico, con resultados muy atractivos, se han seleccionado
las mejores condiciones de operación y se ha diseñado la etapa de lixiviación para una
planta de 30 t/h de capacidad. En esta planta sería posible alcanzar extracciones de
cobre superiores al 70 % con un tiempo de residencia de sólo 5 h. La etapa de
biooxidación suministraría el férrico necesario pese a haber presente Cu(II) en el
circuito en concentraciones de hasta 30 g/l.

The main source of copper loss from a smelter is copper in discard slag. Slag can
contain Cu in concentrations very much higher than those of many ores. Cu is present in
slag entrained in very small drops of matte, white metal and blister copper occluded in
fayalitic phase. In this work, the technical viability of the BRISA process, that is based
on the indirect bioleaching, for this residue has been proved. A sample of slag,
containing 2 % of copper, has been chemical, granulometrical and metallographic
characterized and it has been leached with ferric sulphate solutions in agitated reactors.
The influence of several variables have been investigated. Once the best operating
conditions had been selecting and an economic estimation had been done (with very
really attractive results), the leaching stage has been designed for a plant of 30 tonnes
per hour capacity. Cu extractions higher than 70% can be achieved with a residence
time of only five hours. Despite of Cu(II) concentration in fed is as high as 30 g/l,
biooxidation stage can supply Fe(III) demanded by ferric leaching stage.

Palabras clave: Copper-slag; Indirect bioleaching; BRISA process; Ferric leaching;

Copper sulphides

c) Mencione 5 de las revistas más importantes del área en la que realiza su investigación, con
su índice de impacto

 Journal Citation Reports Science edition (desde 1998)

 Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geológicas (RMCG)

 Journal of Hazardous Materials

 Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China
 African Journal of Biotechnology