Effect of Exogenous Galactose on EPS Production during Bioleaching of Pyrite by <i>Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans</i>

• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.825.125
• Publication Date: 2013-10-07T07:33:46Z
• Authors: Beatriz Pavez; Albert Saavedra; Mauricio Diaz; Juan Carlos Gentina
• Keywords: Extracellular polymeric substance; Acidithiobacillus

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play an important role in the attachment of bacteria to sulphide minerals, biofilm formation and efficiency bioleaching process. Previous studies have suggested a potential connection between galactose EPS formation. In this context, influence exogenous on during pyrite was studied. order fully adapt microorganism conditions it performed total five consecutive sub cultures, one every fifteen days, taking for each inocula from previous culture shake flasks with 200 ml fermentation medium at 30°C, rpm, 40 gL -1 mineral initial pH 1,8. Assays were supplemented (0.25% w/v) without (control), both concentration ferric sulphate first three cultures 5 , decreasing last two 2.5 . Samples analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) labelling cells propidium iodide carbohydrates Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA). obtained day fifth showed that layer particle surface 5.00 μm 3 /μm 2 case control condition 6.10 when carried out presence galactose. Also observed volumetric productivity iron experiment 0.0065 .h compared 0.0076 The results reveal solution stimulates EPS's apparently also favour