A novel method of dissolving realgar by immobilized Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

• The problem of un-dissolvable of realgar is resolved by bio-transformation.
• Bio-transformation was influenced by extracellular substance.
• The extracellular substances affect the content of arsenic bio-transformation.
• The study reveals the novel application of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

Due to the toxic and un-dissolvable properties, the medical application of realgar (As4S4) has always been limited for a long time. In this study, a novel method of dissolving realgar by immobilized Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) is introduced. The characterizations of dissolving realgar are carried out by means of SEM, ICP-AES, XRD and FTIR. The results suggest that the bio-transformation process is influenced by extracellular substances such as pH value and the oxidation of Fe2 +. These extracellular substances affect the concentration of arsenic in bio-transformation solution rather than A. ferrooxidans. Present study reveals the novel application of A. ferrooxidans.