Biosynthesis of natrojarosite by immobilized iron-oxidizing bacteria

Natrojarosite is a very important material. In this paper biosynthesis of pure natrojarosite by immobilized Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was described. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ICP-AES and XRD analysis revealed the character of natrojarosite. The process is principally influenced by extracellular substances. H+ reduction and the oxidation of Fe2 + can accelerate production of the precipitation. Monovalent cation of the precipitation depends on pH value, especially the type and concentration of monovalent cation in solution. This research thus shows a novel application of A. ferrooxidans.

► Biosynthesis of pure natrojarosite by A. ferrooxidans was established.
► It is principally influenced by extracellular substances.
► Reduction of H+ and oxidation of Fe2+ can accelerate synthesis.
► It showed a novel application in material synthesis by microbiological method.