A major organism used in commercial bioleaching for copper recovery is
A major organism used in commercial bioleaching for copper recovery is
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (previously Thiobacillus ferrooxidans) is a chemolithoautotrophic Gram-negative bacterium central to commercial bioleaching. It oxidises: (1)(iron oxidation); (2) Reduced sulfur compounds () →(sulfur oxidation), generating.oxidises metal sulfides (e.g.) releasinginto solution for downstream extraction. This process is used industrially at mine tailings and low-grade ore deposits. A. ferrooxidans thrives at pH 1–2 and 30–40°C — conditions created by its own acid production.