Statistical evaluation and optimization of effective parameters in bioleaching of metals from molybdenite concentrate using Acidianus brierleyi

This study examines the bioleaching ability of a molybdenite concentrate by an adapted bacterium in batch cultures. Acidianus brierleyi was used to mobilize Mo/Cu/Fe from the molybdenite concentrate. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to predict the behavior of effective parameters and their interactions in the bioleaching process. Obtained results showed that the best model for the recovery of each metal was the reduced cubic model. At the optimum condition, (0.3%, (w/v) pulp density, 0.2%, (w/v) amount of sulfur, and 1% (v/v) inoculation percentage), the maximum values of recovery were achieved at 2%, 100%, and 100% for Mo, Cu, and Fe, respectively, with a pH of 2.0, and a temperature of 60 °C.