title: Short communication: Adverse effect of surface-active reagents on the bioleaching of pyrite and chalcopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans.
abstract: Oxidation of Fe(II) iron and bioleaching of pyrite and chalcopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was adversely affected by isopropylxanthate, a flotation agent, and by LIX 984, a solvent-extraction agent, each at ≤ 1 g/l. The reagents/l were adsorbed on the bacterial surface, decreasing the bacteria's development and preventing biooxidation. Both reagents inhibited the bioleaching of pyrite and LIX 984 also inhibited the bioleaching of chalcopyrite.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 2777, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huerta
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Escobar
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rubio
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Badilla-Ohlbaum